New to seahorses

[J8851]

Hello everyone,
I've been interested in seahorses from the time i set up my 55gal tank. Now i think it is time for me to jump into the exciting world of seahorses. I've done my fair share of research and talked with various board memebers through PMs.

I'm thinking about getting into the dwarf seahorses. I've heard they are " Pain " Im ready for the challenge. This won't be my first step into salt tanks. I have plenty of time during the day to care for these buggers. Im thinking of a 2.5gal tank, for a pair of these beautiful creatures with plenty of chaeto and Caulpra. I will not be doing live rock and live sand due to the possible ill effects of parasites. I will not be putting any corals in the tank. Would 15watts be okay for light? I already have my brine hatchery set-up. Oh ya, i plan to have plenty of hitching posts. Very low flow.
Any suggestions?

This is what i was thinking of doing ( not in order )
-Buying 2.5gal tank
-Buy Sand
-Buy brine eggs
-Filling 2.5gal with water from my main tank
-Using the standard filter that comes on the tank
-Cover intake with sponge (on filter)
-Snail/hermit crab
-This tank will have NOTHING but horses.
-keep temp at 72-74ish

Will i be fit to be a proud owner of H. zosterae?

Thank you in advance for you input/suggestions.

 

[sarahbab]

you'll have to check with some one else, but I don't think that you can do hermits or any other crab with dwarfs?

 

[J8851]

O, i thought i read somewhere it was okay to do small hermits with Dwarfs.

 

[Swanwillow]

MAYBE micro hermits... I have a TINY hermit in my tank that might work, but they are hard to find-mine was a hitch-hiker!!!

otherwise-GOOD LUCK! and good job doing research beforehand. I researched horses for 3 years before I got them.

 

[J8851]

I started my research a year ago. Thanks for the input, i think i'll skip the hermit crab.

 

[ReefNutPA]

Congrats on doing research and asking questions! Unless you know with 100% certainty the chaeto and caulerpa is hydroid-free do not plan on adding it to your dwarf tank.

Also, I'd use newly mixed saltwater as opposed to using water from your main tank for the same reason - it's a possible source of hydroids. I'd also skip the crabs, I just don't trust 'em with dwarf seahorses. You'll really be amazed at how small these horses really are!

Your lighting sounds fine, they don't need anything special in regards to lighting. Practice your brine shrimp hatching as the tank cycles...and when it's finished cycling you'll be ready for the challenge!

Best of luck..

Tom

 

[J8851]

Thanks tom.

Could i possible dip the Chaeto and Caulerpa in RO/DI to get rid of the Hydroids, or is there any other possible way for me to make sure i wont put Hydroids in the tank.

 

[ReefNutPA]

The only sure-fire way to not introduce hydroids is to limit the amount of "live" stuff (ie: macroalgae, sand, water, rock) that is put in the tank. If you use all "dead/sterile" items when setting up the tank and decap your brine eggs, the risk of any hydroids is very very miniscule IMO.

To answer your question though, yes, there is a way to pre-treat items before introducing them into a dwarf tank to ensure any hydroids are eliminated. Panacur is a product quite a few have used for this, however, I have no first-hand knowledge of the dosage or length of time to treat. Nor do I know if it affects macroalgae in any way.

I know others who read these boards are much more familiar with the product, and may have used it themselves, so I'll politely defer to them at this point so they can give you accurate information.

Best of luck...

Tom