new to seagrasses

[Briney Dave]

Greetings all, I am considering adding a seagrass tank to my 200 reef. (This is for my Marine Science High School classroom)
I have kept reef tanks for a number of year but never any seagrasses

Here is a brief overview of what I have in mind. I would very much like to hear everyones honest opinions of this and suggestions for either changes or specific species

a 200 reef draining (in part at least) to a 240 tank that I would like to house both grasses and maybe mangroves

does that sound like a workable idea and now for all of the specific questions

I know flow rate will depend on the types of grasses: I would to keep as many different species of grasses as practicle so how about a flow to grouping suggestion. ie moderate rate is best for these three species etc.

depth of the substrate?

type of substrate: sand, mud, brand name or source?

I am a beginer so what specise should I avoid or particularlly seek out.

temp is going to parallel the reef so nothing deep or temperate tropical only.

is there a particular favorite source for the grasses or places to avoid.

I am lighting with M/H 2 250 and (6) 110 VHO with mixed spectra.

I thought that; at least at first until the grasses are fully mature and have established clinging micros as well that I would use a refu in my sump to keep up with the reef
good idea?
should I plan on keeping it or will I be running out of nutrients and hurting both tanks?

I saw in Calfo's Main attraction article that he had a bristle tooth tang in there are there algae eaters that I will need to have and if so numbers and types.

I would like to keep bangali cardnals and maybe seahorses in the grass tank (although several people have suggested that the horses may not be a good idea)

please suggest any other good reading as well.

any and all suggestions/help is needed and welcome

Briney Dave

 

[graveyardworm]

I'll try to address what I havent allready, and get this discussion started.

I know flow rate will depend on the types of grasses: I would to keep as many different species of grasses as practicle so how about a flow to grouping suggestion. ie moderate rate is best for these three species etc.

Moderate flow IMO works well for the species I am currently keeping ( Thallasia, and Halodule ). I like them to sway back and forth, but not enough that they are always pushed over in a single direction.

depth of the substrate?

Of the species currently commonly available, Thallasia has the deepest sand bed depth requirement. A 6 inch sand will work well for Thallasia, and for that matter the rest of them as well.

type of substrate: sand, mud, brand name or source?

Seagrasses for the most part are forgiving in this respect. I prefer a fine oolitic type sand. Currently I'm using Southdown aragonite sand. Playsand ( Silica based ) found at most hardware stores works just fine as well. I'll let other handle the various "muds" I have no experience with these.

I am a beginer so what specise should I avoid or particularlly seek out.

I think i got lucky with Thallasia, so far is doing well for me, but some people have trouble with it. Halodule I feel is the hardiest seagrass available, atleast for me it is. Halophila's may also be a little tricky, I havent done so well with these. You could also look into widgeon grass, I have no experience with this however.

is there a particular favorite source for the grasses or places to avoid

Check the sticky at the top of this forum, and check the link to the previous sticky, you'll find some vendor discussion in there.

I saw in Calfo's Main attraction article that he had a bristle tooth tang in there are there algae eaters that I will need to have and if so numbers and types.

Members of the Family Ctenochaetus are excellent grazers, and should be appropriate for use in seagrass tanks, I currently have a Ctenochaetus Striatus (Striated Tang) in QT which will be going into my seagrass tank this week. You could probably put three in there easily. Make sure to have plenty of snails, ckeck species at Project DIBS.

I would like to keep bangali cardnals and maybe seahorses in the grass tank (although several people have suggested that the horses may not be a good idea)

Check my newest PM regarding the seahorses. Hopefully others will comment here.

please suggest any other good reading as well.

I fixed the link to Sarah's article in the PM.

YEAH!! 4000 POSTS!!