Seahorses

[BROKER]

My wife is looking to set up a seahorse tank so we decided to pick up a book (Seahorses - A complete Pet owners's manual (Barron's)) and she has a question. In the book it say that the tank should be long and low and should not be oddly shaped because that would limit oxygen echange. I thought it was the total opposite and can not understand why an odd shape would limit oxygen exchange. We went to www.oceanrider.com and they sell an 8 1/2 gal tank that is 23''h x 14''w. Can anyone recommend any good sites and books on seahorses. Please respond soon as it is not often that my wife becomes interested in any of my hobbies. :lol:

 

[danmhippo]

It is true that it's the surface area most important factor on gas exchange. That being said, there are a number of ways to overcome the surface area obstacle. Powerhead can be directed towards the surface to aid in gas exchange, so would water returns positioned correctly that runs on the same principle. If the tank has built-in overflow, the 4-6 feet drop can also provide sufficient gas exchange. If you are installing a protein skimmer (and highly recommended), the bubbling action in a skimmer will help you overcome the gas exchange as well.

If I were you, I would opt for a longer tank too as it is a lot easier to do aquascaping and you will see more swimming motion as well. I find my seahorses do more horizontal swims then vertical up and downs. Shallower tanks are also helpful when you are hand feeding the ponies. Moreover, it is easier to find lighting for longer tanks then shorter tanks.

HTH

 

[danmhippo]

BTW, go to seahorse.org It is a discussion BB that are dedicated to seahorse and pipefishes. You will find much more help there.

 

[BROKER]

I guess that I confused myself about the oxygen exhange because adding a powerhead is second nature to me now and the book does not mention powerheads.

She likes the size of the tank on www.oceanrider.com . Can you recommend a simalar size tank that is longer in width instead of height? Something other than your typical 10gal AGA.

Thanks for the site.

 

[Anonymous]

A 20 gal long (30") or a 40 breeder (36") would probably work.

Glenn

 

[Megan]

What type of seahorses are you going to have? I know that if you have the larger ones and you want them to do their twice daily mating dance they need a tall tank. If you want the pygmies then I don't think it is important.

Megan