Seahorse.Lover
New member
I have always wanted a seahorse tank. I am thinking about finally starting one. But I am having trouble finding a guide to help me set up a tank correctly. I have no idea what I need. any help would be appreciated!!
Hi Tige21v, I was reading your posts and thought I would jump in because I did what you want to do. My seahorse tank and system were smaller than yours but I set up a seahorse tank that was connected to an already established reef tank. I had the same UV sterilizer inline between the tanks and it was 74 degrees. I ran it like that for about a year but ended up taking it down and setting up a stand alone seahorse system. The reason for taking it down are with the slow flow in and out of the seahorse tank, (and mine was 100gph which was less than 4Xs turnover) i began to get an algae build up on the glass sides and back of the tank. Water changes on the main system were not benefiting the seahorse tank sufficiently nor was the protein skimmer. Also if I did a deep clean and stirred up a lot of detritus with the lower turnover it did not clear quickly. My male developed an infection on his pouch right after one of those cleaning sessions. It took me months of multiple rounds of antibiotics to restore his health and I think I was lucky in that I saved him. I decided for my ponies' sake that they needed their own tank that catered to all their needs.LOL, I was referring to myself as being argumentative. When I reread my posts, they seemed as if they could possibly come across as such. Not your responses. I am the grasshopper in this conversation.
I have tried to read what I could on the care for the fish I mentioned, especially the seahorses. From what I have been able to determine, sea horses are the most susceptible to issues (beyond feeding) of the four. As such, I'm trying to determine which would be in the best interest of the livestock. I've never been one to entertain my wishes at the expense of the critters.
I'll check OR's website. They seem to be the rayjay of the commercial seahorse aquaculture world. If I ever make it to Hawaii, a visit to their operation will definitely be on my list. If anyone has had luck with breeding pipe fish, it would probably be them.
Sure, go ahead and try it. It's only the seahorse lives that can be lost, not the keeper's.You set up could work for several reasons. You have plants that will absorb the extra waste, you probably have plenty of larger size pods, your temp stays under 75, I agree you should get captive bred, especially since wc have more parasites that you don't want going into your main system. Try a pair to start and see how it goes.
If you are buying from a reputable seahorse breeder and the seahorses won't be going into an LFS system before you get them, you don't have to quarantine them IMO. (unless you already have seahorses there from another source)What is the proper quarantine regimen for sea horses and pipe fish?is it the same as for other fish? And I'm guessing seas and pipes are susceptible to diseases from other fish? Are pipe fish as touchy as seahorses? If so, I may just go the route of shrimpfish / mandarins.