New Tank

[snorkelkid87]

Hello All.

I would consider myself failry experienced in keeping reef tanks, tho have never kept a seahorse tank before. I would like to add a pair to my tank soon, but realise I will have to take out some species of corals.

I believe I need to remove the flowerpot, hammer and elegance corals, but am hoping to keep the rest. Please see my photo for what it currently looks like.

I'm really hoping someone can tell me if I can keep my clams in there, and if not, why not !?

Help please !

 

[ReefNutPA]

Any coral with sweeper tentacle or stinging ability would need to be removed. As you guessed, the clams would need to be removed. Seahorses glide over the rockwork dragging their tails at times... AND hitch to anything and everything within the tank. Sooner or later, the clam will clamp shut on the tail. It's not a matter of if it will happen - it's a matter of WHEN it will happen. Not something you want to deal with healing/treating.

Tom

 

[namxas]

i agree with Tom. the elegance and the hammer definitely need to go. once a SH gets stung/injured, the chance of secondary bacterial infection is very high.

the clam is a huge risk as well, but i also know that some clams are more "skittish" than others. also, some SH are more prone to "tail dragging" than others. you know your clam, and you also need to weigh the risks of possibly losing a SH and/or the clam if it snaps shut on the SH...is it one you're willing to take?

i'd be a bit more concerned with the temp. you're keeping the tank at. tropical SH should be kept at 74*F max to aid in keeping the bacterial count in the system at "reasonable" levels. this time of year, when temps spike, we see a LOT of sick SH.

 

[snorkelkid87]

Thanks to both of you.

My tank is maintaned at 24 C. Google tells me this is 75 F. Is this too warm? I guess it depends on species...?

Now I need to decide if I am willing to relocate my clams to make way for SH.

Hmm tough decisions !

 

[JennyL]

If you really want to keep seahorses, I would suggest setting up a seperate system dedicated to the seahorses and their needs.

There would be much less risk to your horses and you would not have to relocate any stock from your reef tank.