Seahorses

[Tony-M]

Hi All,

(New member)

I was gifted with a sea horse setup from Ocean Rider -4 horses in an 8-1/2 gl hex tank. Some initial problems, but have had them now 4 months and all appears well. ( I have setup a second 10 gal tank as an emergency backup, and am enjoying the evolving life in this "uninhabited" tank. I know this is a very small tank from a stability standpoint, and was wondering if there is anyone that has had a similar setup. Would like to have a dialog. ( I have setup a second 10 gal tank as an emergency backup, and am enjoying the evolving life in this "uninhabited" tank.

I'm actually becoming more interested in the invertebrates that have come along in the live sand/rock and am thinking of setitng up a larger reef tank. Would like to learn a lot more before I start, however. Could use any recommendations on particularly helpful books/literaure on specific setups and equipment.

Thanks,
Tony-M

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome to reefs.org, Tony. First, I'm going to point you to the best seahorse site I'm aware of http://www.seahorse.org , and then I'm going to suggest you also search our library for more information http://www.reefs.org/library -- as well as the database of Advanced Aquariust online 'zine. Wetwebmedia has a discussion board with a seahorse forum, but honestly I don't think you'll find quite as much there as you will at the first site I've linked.

If you would like to increase the overall volume of the setup as well as providing much good provisions for your 'horses, consider adding a refugium, say ten gallons or so. Stock it with good quality live rock, and a very deep sand bed (4" or deeper), or even "mud" (stay away from Miracle Mud is my own recommendation--Walt Smith, IIRC, sells a substrate that is excellent quality, and doesn't come out of Topanga Canyon! I've seen the system it's housed in and they keep some of the most delicate creatures in there with ease. I think Inland Aquatics may sell something similar, do check them out as well). Also add seagrass/macro algae, and allow it to develop a rich diversity of fauna which will eventually include a good supply of 'pods. The seahorses will do quite well on this.

Definitely go to seahorse.org, though. Best of luck!