Wanting to set up a SH tank. Would appreciate input

[vbjimmie]

I picked up a couple 55g tanks off of craigslist. They're tempered glass, so my original plans for them have changed....since I can't drill the glass.
While trying to research other possible ways to build a reefer....I realized that I've wanted seahorses for well over 20 years. So, here we are.


Just like with reef...I've been reading as much as I can on SH tanks.
I'm curious of a few things that I've read.

1) Seahorses require much less flow. Some as little as 1-2gph per gallon of volume in a tank.
I.e. a 20g tank would require 20-40gph.

With that....is that really enough flow for the live rock?
I would think the tank would get dirty a LOT faster than a reef tank in which some people are pushing 800gph for a 55g tank.
Perhaps my numbers are completely wrong. More than likely.


2) Would a 55g tank be feasible for 2 pair of H. Reidi? These are the SH that seem to appeal to me most.
Well...the pot bellies do the most, but I'd have to wait a long time before I could afford the chillers.


3) I haven't really seen a ROT on how much live rock and or substrate (if any) for a SH tank.

4) What sort of plants or other types of hitches would be ideal for H Reidi?


Again...I'm just trying to learn as much as I can before I dive in...and it'll probably be 4-6mos before I even get the tank cycling.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[vbjimmie]

beuller?

 

[CCall]

A 55g would be good for 2 pairs of reidi's. I use the large powersweeps in my seahorse tanks. The hitches are dependant on if you want fake or real. Leathers, gorgonians and macro algae are the popular ones.
Have you checked out www.seahorse.org for different setups? There are so many ways to set up a tank. The tank needs to stay under 74 degrees F.
Are you planning to buy captive bred reidi's?

Are you planning on raising the fry? Reidi's are one of the hardest fry to raise.

 

[vbjimmie]

Thanks for the reply.

I've been reading on seahorse.org and I still have much to read.

Definitely planning on getting CB reidis as from what I've read it's better (for my sanity) than WC reidis.

raising the fry is definitely not something I had even thought of...thank you for mentioning it.



Would there be a better type of SH for a newb? I've read the erectus are "hardy" and a good "beginner" SH, but I honestly want something with vibrant colors. Though I'm not opposed to another type just to get my feet wet.

 

[CCall]

I have sand, some rock, an aquaclear filter, a protein skimmer and a power sweep in my 48 gal. tall. They do like flow but not where they are bounced around in.
I have 5 erectus seahorses. Some are black w/silver stripes, one is yellow and one is orange w/ a white stripes.
All seahorses change colors do to their environment. Right now Dan at www.seahorsesource.com has some beautiful erectus'.
No matter which kind of seahorse you get they will change colors.

 

[vbjimmie]

Awesome. Again, thanks for the replies.