Lighting for Seahorse tank?

[mattyb327]

I'm starting a seahorse tank it's going to be a 37 gallon tall tank and was wondering what type of lighting to use. I know this seems to be a mythical question but i'm trying to balance some seahorses with a few soft corals. so any input on one the other or both would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks, mattyb327

 

[krazeekiddie]

Seahorses have no lighting requirements! Sooooooo, you could go with PC, I would be wary of MH, I think that would be to much for them! =) Good luck!

 

[mattyb327]

Thanks, thought of MH but the heat would probably be too much, since i don't think the temp in tank is supposed to be over 74Degrees..

 

[krazeekiddie]

Yup yup! Plus, I really think they would get sunburn to be honest! =)

We don't have any soft corals in our SH set-ups, sooooo we use strip lights from Walmart....sshhhhhhh

Good luck with your new set-up!

 

[mattyb327]

Thanks, I had no idea you could use such low impact lighting? Do you have any live plants in your tank, i understand they have certain types that they like??

 

[krazeekiddie]

All types of macro/algae grow on lower wave lengths of light! That is why you should change your bulbs every 6 months because as the bulb ages, the wave length lessens & it supposrts algae growth! (that is not the only reason to change your bulbs every 6 months, but one of them)

=) yup yup, you do not even need a light! lol

 

[mattyb327]

Well thanks, i'm still gathering lots of info, i understand their not difficult but there are some guidelines that you have to follow. The guys at my LFS are always willing to help but i like to round and gather from everywhere!!! Thanks lots!! Matt

 

[mattyb327]

Anybody know the name of the plants people keep in they're seahorse tanks?? vThink it starts with a c??

 

[ann83]

lots of different macro algaes: caulerpa sp., codium sp., halymenia, various kelp, sargassum, etc. With higher lighting you could also try vascular plants like seagrasses...

 

[mattyb327]

so which ones do the horses seem to like the most?? or are any of them good?? Thanks.........

 

[ann83]

Any of them are fine, several for variety would be great. A bunch of cheato in the display for copepod production is also a good idea.

 

[mattyb327]

OK, one more ques... The copepods are good for?? Just trying to understand... Thanks, matt

 

[ann83]

snacks

Take a look around here http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles.shtml and here http://www.syngnathid.org/ubbthreads/showarticles.php

 

[mattyb327]

cool, thanks very much, i suppose the fish i have no could probably benefit from copepods??

 

[ann83]

Probably, what fish do you have now?

 

[mattyb327]

2 tangs a couple of clowns, and three gobys. Oh and a damsel that never died!!

 

[ann83]

the gobies will definately appreciate copepods.

 

[mattyb327]

Cool i know they sell it at my LFS so i think i will pick some up this weekend. Thanks so much, matt

 

[chowz]

This may be a little late but I have had seahorses and soft coral together for about a year my tank is about 20 inches tall I have an orbit marine led light fixture that includes a timer with custom settings I really like the features it has and it has been enough light to grow my corals. This is a good site for lighting info. http://seahorse.com/forum/lights

 

[vlangel]

Yes, I may be too late as well but I also have a seahorse tank with soft coral and macro algae. I have halimedia, dragons breath, red grape caulerpa, rose petal, and some varieties that I have not Identified. My tank has T5s.