What do you guys think about this idea?

[ClamIAm]

Over this summer, I am planning on setting up a 50 gallon rubbermaid stock tank and growing seagrass and/or macroalgae in it. Having never kept seahorses before other than having a couple for a time at the store I was working at, do you think this set-up would work out for seahorses? What exactly do they like as far as water flow is concerned?

 

[Brock Fluharty]

I wouldn't. You wouldn't be able to see if they were eating, or if they had any parasites, etc., because it would be a look-down, correct?

 

[pledosophy]

It could work, but you wouldn;t get the cool view. Better to get a tank you can see in IMO.

The seagrass could be an issue if your using MH's and have temps above 75F.

Seahorses like low flow. 3-5x turnover an hour, preferably broken up so it is not one area of strong flow.

 

[ClamIAm]

It would be a look down setup. I think I'd be able to tell if they were eating still but I think you may have a point about checking them for parasites.

 

[nickb]

Have you posted this question over on the seagrass forum? You will need a 4-6" deep sand bed to support most seagrasses, perhaps with special composition (there are some excellent articles in the seagrass forum about this). Many seahorses live in seahrasses as a natural habitat so that combo makes a lot of sense. I'd prefer a side view but what you suggest could be made to work.

 

[hypermikie]

You could cut a side section out of the rubbermaid tank and silicone a piece of plexy to the inside. Then you could have a small sideview area as well!

Just a random thought...

 

[ClamIAm]

I already know the requirements for keeping seagrass as I tried it once before with limited success. I'm hoping to try a set-up that will be more effective in maintaining it. The viewing window is an idea, I'll have to keep it in mind.

 

[Brock Fluharty]

Seriously, make 2 setups. If you haven't had much success with seagrasses, and have no experience in SH's, best not to jump into both of them in the same tank, let alone at the same time...

 

[nickb]

ClamIAm, didn't mean to cause trouble. However, there have been a couple of excellent and very recent articles. If your previous attempt was a while ago, and not that successful. you might still find these articles to be useful.