Question about filtration options

[tomdkat]

I found a used 30g hex aquarium I'm planning on giving to a friend as a gift. She's wanting to keep seahorses in it.

Here is a photo of it:

My question is: what are the best filtration options for this aquarium? There won't be space for a power filter AND a canister filter, so I must choose between the two. The photo is a shot that includes the top so you can see the slots I have to work with. The aquarium has no other holes drilled into it for additional plumbing.

I was thinking of getting an Emperor 280 power filter since it also has a bio-wheel but I'm starting this thread to get your advice.

Any tips you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

As for the specific kinds of seahorses she wants to keep, that hasn't been decided yet.

Thanks in advance!

Peace...

 

[JM68]

hex tanks aren't great for saltwater uses because of the poor surface area to water volume ratio. this leads to poor gas exchange and low oxygen levels in seahorse tanks where powerheads can't be used to create strong flow to circulate water, like you would have in a reef setting. i'm sure there is a way to make it work, but it would be a challenge.

 

[tomdkat]

Thanks for the info! Of course, I'm not happy with it but I do appreciate your insight.

Thanks!

Peace...

 

[pledosophy]

Why can't you use powerheads in a seahorse tank?

I've used a rio 90, rio 400, maxijet 400, maxijet, 600, maxijet 900, maxijet 1200 (did the hydor on this one too as well as without), a Seio 620, as well as the koralia nano and would recommend most of them. Honestly for a 30g I'd go with a Koralia pointed towards the surface of the water, maybe a second pointed down to go towards the side of the tank and across the front, you want it bouncing off the glass (or acrylic as this case may be). I have also and am currently using closed loops as well (900gph for my 30g tank). Seahorse can take flow you just have to be careful and exact about how you use it. JME

That tank is acrylic and can be drilled anywhere for more filtration holes.

I wouldn't go with a power or a cannister IMHO for that tank. I'd look into a HOB skimmer you can hang off the back.

Seahorse like to swim in planted tanks, they like the algae. So a skimmer and some macro algae, some pieces of live rock (tonga is good as it also doubles as a hitch) a NO output bulb or two with the appropriate spectrums ( http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page/001/PROD/Reflectors/1P381951 ) call that thing a tank.

For a beginner a planted tank is the easiest IMO. I'd start with a pair of aquacultured seahorses (seahorsesource.com is a good place). Getting aquacultured is so much bettr for so many reasons which we can talk about if you fancy.

There's a lot of info on the boards.

Best of luck.

 

[Psychographic]

Not that I'm an expert on SH's, in fact I've only been keeping them since the beginning of the summer, but I see no problem with the hex as long as you don't plan to keep a lot of them in there. I too think drilling it for a CL would be the way to go.

I also plan to use a hex for my SH's. My idea is a pillar in the center made primarily from branch rock, surounded with a variety of Macroalgae's and a decent HOB skimmer and a closed loop for circulation.

If I can fit it, I plan to build a small sump that hangs on the tank to hide a heater and some rubble (for pod populations).

If you want any more info om my build, PM me and I'll explain in more detail.

 

[Psychographic]

Sorry, double post

 

[tomdkat]

Thanks for the feedback. What's a "CL"?

Peace...

 

[Mikeeee]

CL = Closed Loop

I just setup a 90g drilled w/overflow and 15g sump, split into 2 sections one for Return pump (Eheim 1260) which is the flow for the tank so i have no powerheads inside the tank and the others ide im thinking either using lots of LR rubble and macro algae and filter sock or a skimmer eventually.

 

[Jah2707]

wow, I have the exact same tank. My wife is wanting me to set it up for seahorses. I am thinking about drilling it and using a close loop on it. It is going to be in my bedroom so I would rather not have a sump in there. Let me know how it turned out.

 

[tomdkat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13535040#post13535040 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mikeeee
CL = Closed Loop

Ah, thanks.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13418572#post13418572 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pledosophy
I wouldn't go with a power or a cannister IMHO for that tank. I'd look into a HOB skimmer you can hang off the back.

Ok. Could you recommend a HOB skimmer?

Peace...

 

[pledosophy]

Aqua C Remora's and CPR's tend to be popular. The Tunze nano is also a good choice. You will need to use the bubble trap options over the outputs.

I have more experience with in sump style skimmers, and not as much with hang ons. Maybe someone who loves there HOB skimmer can chime in.

 

[SaltyMember]

Regarding the hang on skimmers. I had a remora before and I think it did an okay job and are well made. They are better than the CPR backpaks for sure. The tunze nano skimmer is a nice unit and I think that would be my first choice if I was setting up a seahorse tank in the 20-40 gallon range due to: little to now bubble output to tank, quiet operation, and it is in-tank so I can't overflow and make a mess. JMO

 

[arcprolife]

I bought the same size hex from craigs list and it comes with the original light fixture and crappy plastic lid that works with nothing. If you are trying to work around the lid you could consider a new lid. I have the option of That Pet Place being around the corner but I am sure other people sell it to-you can buy the plastic black hinge for about three dollars and the little handle for about two. Then just go to a local glass place with a template and they will make you what ever shape or cut-outs you want for a lid for around 20 bucks. I ended up puting a hang on back aquaclear filter and a whisper in tank filter and a bak-pak skimmer and a nano koralia in mine. I dont have seahorses in this tank its for my anemone so they like flow. It takes some working to get everything in a hex but it can be done.

 

[tomdkat]

Thanks for the feedback and the advice!

Peace...

 

[tomdkat]

Ok, just to make sure I'm on the same page with you guys, are these the components you've got in mind:

Koralia circulation pump:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=15955

AquaC Remora protein skimmer:
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...mers-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

Tunze Nano protein skimmer:
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...mers-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

Right?

Thanks!

Peace...