New seahorses...concerned about filtration in tank.

[bandh0526]

What kind of filtration and flow is good for a seahorse tank? I have an overflow box with a sump on my 46 gallon and the seahorses are small enough to fit through the overflow box...had to get one out of the sump - STILL ALIVE...but I'm freaked out.
I don't have any powerheads in my tank...just the return from the sump...should I have a powerhead for the size of the tank? I have some extra Koralia 3's laying around, if I put one in there and direct the flow away from hitching areas, could I do that? My concern is the water quality with such a little amount of flow in a 46 gallon...my water seems a little cloudy. Also, could I get just a biowheel type filter or canister filter? I have a sump with a protein skimmer because the tank was originally meant for a reef -but seahorses are more appealing right now since I already have a reef tank.
So many questions! Sorry about that. These are my first pair of seahorses and I'm a little paranoid. Especially after the seahorse in the sump problem...

 

[bandh0526]

Oh...another question. Can Kenya trees do OK in a seahorse tank? I have a billion of 'em in my reeftank and was looking for some options on where else I can put them. Thanks!

 

[pledosophy]

If the seahorse is being sucked into the overflow you need to grate it off somehow. I have used egg crate in the past, you can use a sponge, or something like pantyhose to cover the intake.

Koralia 3's are to big for seahorses that small and there is risk of injury from the pump. IME with larger seahorses I have used a koralia nano which also has the fish protector grate, but I would not use a 3 on a seahorse tank myself, although I do live my Koralia 3 in my reef.

Biowheel or canister filters are fine. I'm not a fan of either myself, but many people do like to use them with seahorses. I would run all the filters out of the sump myself. IMO with the sump and the skimmer you might already be good on filtration.

How many gph is your return after head loss approximately? Are you having problems with build up of detritus? What else are you keeping in the seahorse tank besides rock, sand, and seahorses?

This should not be to hard for us to help you figure out.

HTH

 

[pledosophy]

As far as the kenya tree it is fine. A few friends and I put this Seahorse Tankmate Guide together. It might help you out with some planning.

HTH

 

[bandh0526]

All I have are the seahorses, sand, rock, some macro, a fake coral thing and a few snails that came from the rock (hitchhikers). The water is just cloudy. I also have put a net-type barrier around the overflow box, but the problem is that the leftover food, ect. clings on to it and won't filter out.
It just seems like the 46 is so big in comparison with the seahorses...it's like the water flow just isn't enough. I have a 20 gallon, should I use it? It's not doing anything right now but sitting.
If Kenya trees will work - YAY! I'll put a few in there...thanks so much for the reply and the source. You have been a great help.

 

[bandh0526]

double post! Oops!