Seahorses: advice from those who keep them please?

sharuq1 · #1 07-20-2009, 06:29 AM

So I may not have to upgrade my skimmer? That would be a big plus.

Do you think photosynthetic gorgs would do ok under only 4 bulbs of t5s in a standard 72g? If so, that would be great, one of my gorgs really needs fragging anyway.

When your return pump is turned off how do you avoid bubbles in the tank when you turn it back on? Also, what is your porcedure for doing water changes without getting bubbles? Just how many bubbles are a problem? I get a few fine ones from my return, but not much.

I can't hook the tank into my 120 at present (we rent and where the tanks are would = a tons of sharp corners and nowhere to put the pipes). When we get a new place in a few years I will be hooking them up though.

Interesting about the anemone. I told my husband it was either ponies or nem with clowns and couldn't be both, but now I kind of wonder. I guess it is one of those risky take a gamble things that I will keep in mind.

Is anyone feeding anything besides mysis?

Has anyone here raised fry successfully? I'd love to hear all about it if so.

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #2 07-20-2009, 09:23 AM

NOT recommending keeping Anemones & Seahorses together. Just mentioning that I've done it successfully in the past. Maybe my ponies were just smart or I was just lucky.

Anthony

Key Equine · #3 07-20-2009, 02:01 PM

Hello! I have five seahorses in a 46 gallon tank and I have not needed a skimmer in there yet. I feed carefully, with a feeding station, and perform a 10% water change every week. I have had great water quality and no problems with not having the skimmer. So whatever one you have should be good, as long as you don't over feed. I also have a canister filter with live rock rubble, carbon, and a sponge that is changed regularly. I point the output spray bar at the surface for some surface agitation, and also have a small powerhead for some more flow.

I have not had problems with bubbles during water changes, I could be wrong but I don't believe adult seahorses are too bothered by minor bubbling.

I used to feed only mysis but I've started adding in some enriched brine shrimp and the seahorses seem to appreciate the variety. Still primarily mysis though.

Haven't tried raising any fry yet, but good luck to you if you try! Of course you have been to seahorse.org, they have lots of info on that sort of thing.

Good luck! Keep us posted!

sharuq1 · #4 07-22-2009, 05:06 AM

That's great, then I won't worry about the skimmer thing unless the tank looks like it "says" different. Now I just have to attempt being patient waiting for this tank because I am itching to stock it and decorate it. Thank you so much everyone for your advice. If you can think of any further tips please post 'em up.