New 56 Gallon Column Tank

[carhockey66]

I'm getting a 56 Gallon Column Tank with in built in overflow in the corner. The tank is 30L x 18D x 25T, I'll also be adding a sump/refugium in the stand underneath. Since I'm new to saltwater tanks, I was wondering what equipment to get. Such as the best skimmer, return pump, and lighting to get. Eventually I'd like to put in 3 pairs of seahorses, a couple of fish, soft corals, and some inverts. Also I plan on putting in about 60 lbs. of live rock in the main tank and some chaeto in the refugium. Any suggestions?

 

[mollymonticello]

That's a good tank for seahorses, nice and tall. I can't wait to see the pictures

Personally, I like the Mag Drive return pumps. They don't put off as much heat as some others and they are pretty efficient and inexpensive. For lightinig, go with something that runs cool like T5s. Don't skimp on your skimmer when you have seahorses. They need to eat a lot. I just got a Hydor performance skimmer, it's really nice.

Have you thought about a chiller also? I am a huge advocate of chillers on seahorse tanks. I would highly recommend a chiller. Keep the temperature at or below 74 degrees, and you'll have less chance of your seahorses getting Vibrio, which is probably the #2 killer of Syngnathids (next to starvation).

 

[Lightsluvr]

Re: New 56 Gallon Column Tank

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14436073#post14436073 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carhockey66
I'm getting a 56 Gallon Column Tank with in built in overflow in the corner. The tank is 30L x 18D x 25T, I'll also be adding a sump/refugium in the stand underneath. Since I'm new to saltwater tanks, I was wondering what equipment to get. Such as the best skimmer, return pump, and lighting to get. Eventually I'd like to put in 3 pairs of seahorses, a couple of fish, soft corals, and some inverts. Also I plan on putting in about 60 lbs. of live rock in the main tank and some chaeto in the refugium. Any suggestions?

What a great tank for SH...

I have run Mag pumps in several of my tanks, but now like the Eheims as they are quieter than the Mags. You might look at a Turboflotor 1000 skimmer. I used one for awhile in my 95G and it was adequate. Can't beat the price. Lighting will depend more on what else is in your tank. Seahorses alone don't need great amounts of light. You might look at a 24" T5 set-up...that should give adequate coverage for the tank and any soft corals that are SH- compatible. For cooling, you might look at the Pacific Coast chiller unit model CL-280.

Good luck!

LL

 

[carhockey66]

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking about getting the Hydor Performer 500 but if the Turboflotor 1000 is just as good, then I might go that route. I would like to keep the tank around 72 degrees, so I'm sure I'll have to get a chiller. It's just too bad they're so expensive. What do you think about these Coralife for lighting?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+12109&pcatid=12109

Also if I setup copepods in the refugium would I be able to put a red scooter in the tank? Or would the seahorses eat all the copepods and outcompete it?

 

[Elysia]

I have this same tank, except it isn't drilled. I have HO t5s and they light the tank nicely. I have softies in the tank along w/ some seahorse safe LSP. I love my HO t5s because they run so much cooler than power compacts. I think my light is a Current Nova Supreme (4 bulbs w/ night LEDs.) I got the tank for seahorses, but there are no seahorses in it presently. The 18" allows for lots of aquascaping opportunities. And my arm is just long enough to reach in without having to worry about deodorant getting into the tank.

 

[Lightsluvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14441776#post14441776 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carhockey66
It's just too bad they're so expensive. What do you think about these Coralife for lighting?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+12109&pcatid=12109

Sounds like you have a plan... How about this light istead? You could always add moonglows for that night light look...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+16770&pcatid=16770

Just a thought...

LL

 

[Mikeeee]

Nice tank size. I just setup a 48x18x24 for horsies/pipefish. I use a eheim for return pump/flow. My lighting im using a 4x54w TEK light but mostly just 2 bulbs are on i may keep 4 on longer once i get a few nice soft coral pieces in there. I went without a skimmer for a couple months but ive been having some algae issues..its not too bad right now but i think it will get better with the skimmer i put on now. I didnt want to spend much on the skimmer so i bought a vertex 100 skimmer..sure its prob not the most popular skimmer but im quite happy with it. I am noticing lots of skimmate and it seems to be doing its job.

 

[mollymonticello]

I have a big male red scooter in with my seahorses. But he eats frozen food. And I have a refugium, too, which helps.

 

[carhockey66]

LL, do you think 2 bulbs would be enough light or should I have four because it's such a deep tank? What do you of the Current USA Sundial T5 HO Fixtures?

Molly, did you have to train the red scooter or was he already eating frozen?

 

[ReefDoberman]

You could also look at Lifegard Quiet One Pumps for your return. I just purchased the 3000 model for my 47 Column build. I chose it due to GPH, Low Watt Draw, Low Cost to purchase, and feedback on how quiet they are. I did hear from a thread I started in the equipment forum that these are subject to calcium build up so they need vinegar baths to keep running but the same could happen with Mag Drives as well.

I haven't set it up yet but I am optimistic.

 

[louie07]

when choosing your skimmer, watch the bubble output. the micro bubbles that come out of some skimmers can cause the SHs to get sick. remoras are pretty good on the bubbles, you can do many things to help prevent bubble outputs. research it, and decide whats best. also talk with a trusted LFS and work with them.

best of luck

 

[David123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14510581#post14510581 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by louie07
when choosing your skimmer, watch the bubble output. the micro bubbles that come out of some skimmers can cause the SHs to get sick.

Sorry, this is not so, the micro bubbles are for many unsightly, thats all.

This was believed to cause GBD, or plain old bubble in pouch, but its not true, GBD is a totally different thing, and having a skimmer will mostly eliminate the possibility of this occurring.

There are very easy ways of stopping micro bubbles from entering a tank.

 

[louie07]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14510581#post14510581 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by louie07
when choosing your skimmer, watch the bubble output. the micro bubbles that come out of some skimmers can cause the SHs to get sick.

sorry bout that, i have read that in like 5 places!

 

[ctenophors rule]

david, you leftus hangting, the ways to stop bubbles are? lol

sound cool, what do you plan on stocking the tank with, specifics.

have you seen the sea cucumber that will readily clean sea horses and pipe fish, how sick is that!!!

 

[tholton33]

i have the same size tank as this did you ever decide on lights?

 

[David123]

oops, sorry.

A bubble trap, or a sponge at the outlet where the water first hits the sponge then travels thru and into the tank.

The old belief is that bubbles in a tank is no good, its the other way around, you need bubbles in a seahorse tank. A skimmer is the very best, but not all can use one.

Micro bubbles good, but unsightly, and tend to hang around too much, an open air line that is producing large constant bubbles is the way to go.

This does a couple of things, it will ensure that your tank is always at or close to oxygen saturation, which is what all aquarists should aim for, but, further is the C02 reduction.

C02 I call the silent killer, it lessen 02 uptake, causes wild pH swings, thus causing stress, and a compromised immune system, result, sick or dead horses.

An added bonus is that both the horses and you will love this bubble stream, the horses will constantly go and hitch over the bubbles, in effect having a champagne bath, for their physical pleasure, and your visual pleasure.

 

[David123]

oops, sorry.

A bubble trap, or a sponge at the outlet where the water first hits the sponge then travels thru and into the tank.

The old belief is that bubbles in a tank is no good, its the other way around, you need bubbles in a seahorse tank.

Micro bubbles are the best, but unsightly, and tend to hang around too much, an open air line that is producing large constant bubbles is the way to go.

This does a couple of things, it will ensure that your tank is always at or close to oxygen saturation, which is what all aquarists should aim for, but, further is the C02 reduction.

C02 I call the silent killer, it lessen 02 uptake, causes wild pH swings, thus causing stress, and a compromised immune system, result, sick or dead horses.

An added bonus is that both the horses and you will love this bubble stream, the horses will constantly go and hitch over the bubbles, in effect having a champagne bath, for their physical pleasure, and your visual pleasure.

 

[Lightsluvr]

You're back?

You're back?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14510581#post14510581 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by louie07
when choosing your skimmer, watch the bubble output. the micro bubbles that come out of some skimmers can cause the SHs to get sick.

Louie, I know you mean well, but you're back on the seahorse forum passing out incorrect information. Until you've actually had experience with a subject over a period of time, please resist the urge to post...

Thanks...

LL