Setting Up first Sea Horse Tank

[RyanCD]

Hi everyone! I am in the works of setting up my first SH tank. I have an AGA 30 gallon with the dimensions of 18" H X 13" W X 13" D. I have ordered 3 x 32 watt PC lights that I am going to work into the hood this weekend. Also I have an Aqua C Urchin that is going in the sump along with the heater. Any more advice for the setup?

I would like to set the tank up with coral, possibly some sea grasses and a few shrimp, crabs and gobies or blennies. I am wondering what type of corals you would all recommend for this tank since there will be slow water current and 3 x 32 watt PC's for lighting. Also, are there any fish besides pipefish that I could add for more movement and color?

Any advice and constructive criticism is much welcomed. Thank you all!

RyanCD

 

[RyanCD]

Also I forgot to add that there will be about 30 lbs of live rock and the bulbs in the PC are actinic 10,000k 50/50's.

Thanks again!

 

[Fredfish]

First off, you should go to Syngnathid.org or seahorse.org and read the seahorse compatability list/article in either library. This is the best list I have come across.

If you are looking for an interesting colourful fish you might consider P. fridmanii: beautiful colour, active fish, not so aggressive as to pick on seahorses or outcompete them for food.

I think shrimp gobies would also make interesting tank mates and their are a couple of more colourful species.

Blennies are a no-no. Crabs are also a no-no though some people do keep hermits in with their horses.

Seagrasses need strong light, so consider concentrating the light where you want to put your seagrasses.

Fred

 

[Swanwillow]

SOME blennies are ok-it depends on who you ask and what species your looking at... other people say firefish are too aggressive of eaters
it kinda depends on the fish.

but yes, look at the tankmates lists!!!!

 

[RyanCD]

Thanks everyone. I have been looking on seahorse.org but I am having trouble finding a some definitive answers. The care guide there was very helpful though and the new thread for tank mates. Just wanted a few more different types of species that are colorful.

Any compatible coral ideas? Would like to stay in the pink-orange-yellow scheme.

Thank you all again! :rollface:

 

[JennyL]

Hi Ryan,
Seahorses need a very peaceful and stress free environment, so any tank mate you choose should be considered very carefully.

If you don't mind a suggestion, since this is your first sh tank, why not just concentrate on the seahorses and an appropriate cleanup crew.

 

[Swanwillow]

what jenny said.

but, I like to get the corals set up first, and make sure everything I'm getting will be ok for horses...

most mushrooms, zoanthids are ok. those come in tons of colors, so there ya go for colorful corals!!!

http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/tankmates.shtml