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Seahorse tank build (1 Viewer)

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inigomontoya

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I have been planning this for a while and am taking my original saltwater tank, a 40g (24"long by 18" deep x 20" tall) with a HOB "bakpak" skimmer/fuge and turning it into a seahorse tank. Spent the weekend cleaning her up and painting the back panel a royal blue. Already have a reefkeeper lite controller so going to use that with the 4 bulb t5's. Keeping live rock fairly minimal and using rock from my sump so it is seeded well.
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The sand arrived today from marcorocks, a fine sand since there won't be much flow, lots of rinsing though .
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Intend to use the waterfall return and a nano koralia for flow.
That is my first question- never used a nano koralia- thinking a 450, should that be enough to get a 40g moving around and avoid dead spots? Being a SH tank I don't want much flow but enough to avoid dead spots.
Plan on using a lot of macros as hitching posts, also possibly some colored plastic chains. Debating on that and even if I do, they will disappear once the macros grow in. Bright oranges and red are cool as the SH will mimic to them.

I am a man of little patience and so have decided to spend money on Dr. Tims (thanks Kelly and Jason for reviews here which sold me). Last night I flowed new saltwater into my main tanks' sump from my water change station and then drained water from the next chamber into the new tank. This gets me a water change and good "used" water for the new tank. I then set my rocks, poured in the Dr. Tim's and added an ammonia source :cool:
I have a dwarf lion and had 20 or so ghost shrimp in a 10g with an airstone simply to keep alive for food so put them in the tank for ammonia. Let me know if that was idiotic or not, but already done it so... Figured if a dead shrimp works then peeing and pooping disposable shrimp is even better. If a few die during the process it just helps speed it along. Now the wife is getting attached to the shrimp though.:rolleyes:
 
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inigomontoya

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Pics up! Not much to see yet, got sand in last night and looks like that tub still right now. Thanks Rick, may come take a look. Are you finding the need for a chiller with yours? I went ahead and got the 425 nano for flow. Was reading that a lot of people get too little flow and have problems with detritus. Being the only ph for a 40 it should just keep a nice current. I am not going to run a heater (or if so- set it at 68 or so) and am seeing readings in the 76 range right now on the empty tank. I know ideal is 68-75 for bacteria issues, just don't want to spend that much on a chiller- will try the clip on fan first for during the summer and see how much that helps. Also going to run without a top and room is 74-75. Don't think seahorses will have a jumping problem.
 

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My temps stay around 75-76 with no chiller. It's in the coldest part of the house. I've got tiger tails right now, had them for about 4 months. The dwarfs are just way to small at the size of a grain of rice. Mines (wifes actually) is a 60 cube with a ehiem 1260 and two mp10's about 50% power. I'm thinking of adding one more smaller PH to get rid of a dead spot. Pretty good amount of flow in the tank, just have a lot of places the seahorses can grab hold. I have lots of gorgonians, sea fans, sea whips etc.. for them to hang on.
 

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Im following wanting to do a seahorse also. Know some will take hiogher temperatures after all they catch them in Galveston.

They can tolerate higher temps but then they'll start growing bacteria on them. Almost looks like cyno.
 

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Cool, where you getting your horses from? Direct from a breeder?
 
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inigomontoya

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They can tolerate higher temps but then they'll start growing bacteria on them. Almost looks like cyno.
Been reading up on Reefcentral and this is the problem with higher temps and one (along with food competition) of the reasons for a species specific tank. Granted the breeders write these articles but most everything I read makes a big deal about true captive seahorses. Not only captive bred but captive raised as well. Makes a big difference in the pathogens they bring in and with the mortality rate.
I looked at oceanriders and seahorsesource, ocean riders has mixed reviews and they ship from hawaii so more travel and stress. Seahorse source only has kudas right now, though others are coming up in the next few weeks. Expensive but stellar reputation. I also found positive mention of Sach, SACHS SYSTEMS AQUACULTURE who has erectus (lined) for a much better price. Talked with a very helpful lady over there and they are captive bred/ raised and already on frozen food before shipping. I mentioned my preferences and she said she would go get some she had in mind and set them aside immediately. Very good service and attitude.
 
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inigomontoya

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David- might be one you could put a chiller on or put in the house. I am concerned about mine with possible 75-77 highs. Wouldn't recommend at 82.
 
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