Seahorse Tank Build Questions

[taillonjohn]

It will be a 16G tall tank, it's cycling now. I wanna add the horses probably in Sept-Oct

1) any powerheads in a seahorse tank? maybe an MJ400? right now I have only my HOB bio-wheel, rated for 55G tank. is this enough for this tank, or should I add a small powerhead?

2) I plan to use normal output lighting (low budget tank for now). I'm sure it's ok for the seahorses, but can I get macroalgae to grow under NO lighting?

3) Is it ok to add a fish first into the tank, or best to wait till the horses are in there first?

tks for any help

 

[ann83]

What seahorses are you planning on keeping in the tank? A 16 gallon is awefully small for most species of seahorses. There are a few temperate/subtropical species that would require a chiller that may work, but the tropical species need a 20 gallon absolute minimum and would be much better off in a 29 gallon or larger for a pair. What are the tank dimensions?

1. You can add a powerhead, but I'd use a spraybar on it to dissipate the flow so it doesn't blow the seahorses around. Ditch the biowheel part of the HOB filter and make sure you have a bunch of live rock in the aquarium, because you are going to need the biofiltration. Seahorses put a heavy bioload on a tank. In fact, I'd consider a skimmer and bubble trap if you are going to try to put seahorses in a tank that size.

2. NO lighting probably won't work for growing macroalgae. You could put the tank in a room with a south facing window, but otherwise, you'll probably want some compact florescent lighting.

3. If you're keeping a pair of seahorses in a 16 gallon, I wouldn't add any additional fish at all, as your bioload is already going to be very high, especially without a sump and only an HOB filter.

Oh, and remember, even with tropical species of seahorses, you are going to want to keep the temperature in the tank under 74 degrees. So, consider that when you are deciding on a powerhead and get one that will generate less heat in the aquarium. This is also important in lighting as PC puts out less heat than NO.

 

[taillonjohn]

Thank you Ann. I plan to upgrade my 29G reef in the fall, and the 29G will become the new seahorse tank in early 2008. As for seahorses, I'm still searching that one on Canadian forumns. We have much less options that you do for livestock. I've got the biowheel on now, but was gonna take it off when I get the amount of LR I need this weekend. I'm thinking no skimmer, just 50% weekly water changes, but not decided on that one yet

Is a powerhead required at all, is abslute no-flow ok? (except for the return water of the HOB)

I've checked out the NO lighting. apparently caulerpa and chaeto are ok. I think I'll still get power compact though

The chiller issue is another concern of mine I don't know what to do. In Canada, it's cold most of the year, there's only really two-three months that I need to worry about my tank termperatures

Thanks again Ann for your help

 

[ann83]

The issue with the return water on the HOB is whether or not it will be sufficient to get the biofiltration from the LR and to prevent dead spots. I'd add a Small powerhead with a spraybar towards the bottom of the tank to keep the water moving under the LR without blowing the seahorses around.
For keeping the tank cool, I keep Reidi, and in the summer I run a clip on fan aimed at the tank to keep the tank temp at 73 degrees (ambient room temp 79), but this requires topping off the tank a lot.
I think there are a few Canadians on seahorse.org that may be able to direct you to good sources of CB seahorses. I know it has been discussed in the past over there.

 

[taillonjohn]

yeah, I just got my replies, only Reidi is available as CB in Canada. Tks for your help.