Red Sea Max 130

[seasalthobby]

I've read conflicting things about keeping horses in it. If with a chiller and only one pump running (to reduce flow) (Do I really need to reduce flow) would this be a suitable home for two seahorses?

Second I am buying this tank used. It has not been cared for well and aptasia has taken over. My thought was to just take all the rock out and purchase new. Do you feel this would be the best way to go?

And last do you think 350 is a good price for a red sea max plus chiller? Thank you for your thoughts and input!

 

[rayjay]

Volume wise, it is sufficient for a pair of standard sized seahorses.
I personally don't like PnP tanks as most are covered, causing poor gas exchange, as well as the heat problem that often requires a chiller. (which in this case comes with it)
I also don't like the filtration system that traps the detritus and has to be cleaned out AT LEAST once a week.
The skimmers when included, are basically useless due to the "dirty" water created by seahorses feeding habits. A much higher rated skimmer will be much better.
As for flow, as long as you have an area of low flow with hitching, you can have other areas of medium to high flow, just not so seahorses can be blasted against anything and be damaged.
I personally prefer a sterile tank to start, and then add ammonia to cycle it.
The live rock you can bleach and neutralize, or you can immerse it in white vinegar for a while and rinse REALLY well. That will take care of the aiptasia and any other pests and pathogens.
Can't help on it's value as I've never bought anything other than a basic tall aquarium and added my own lights, power heads and sumps.
All that being said, there are some PnP's out there that have worked successfully for their owners.