My 25 gallon sea horse tank.

[Jordan55]

Well, I decided to keep a log of my tank so that everyone else can follow along with me, add input, and learn from my mistakes and successes.

Equipment-

-25 gallon AGA 24X12X20
-1 or 2 Via Aqua 150 gph pumps.
-1 150 watt Stainless steel heater
-JEBO 110 watt PC 50/50 light fixture.
- Aqua Clear 500 modded into a fuge to house rock rubble and some macro.

Inhabitants-

- Two H. erectus sea horses (male and female).
- Shrimp/goby pair.... still deciding on which.
- *Estimate* 10 Nassarius, 10 cerith, 10-15 astrea .
- *Estimate* 5 blue leg hermits, 5 scarlet hermits.

The tank will be home to macro algae, no corals.

Macro algae:

- Caulerpa prolifera
- Caulerpa racemosa
- Caulerpa sertularioides (if I can find some)
- Caulerpa mexicana
- Halimdea copiosa

15-20 lbs of live rock. Bali, From Phishy Business.

an inch or two of sand on the bottom.

Tank should be set up Saturday, January 21.

After a month of cycling, I will slowy add my clean up crew, macro algae, and the shrimp/goby.

Once my tank hits about the 2 month mark, pods are starting to gather, parameters are stable, and the tank is doing well, I will add my two sea horses.

Any comments are welcome along the way. Hopefully I will start to get some pictures up within the next couple days.

Wish me luck.....

and the countdown begins: 4 days.

[DebsSisterFlo]

Good luck! :D I'm adding my live rock this weekend, then have to cycle.... *drums fingertips*

[tabwyo]

and we are off to the races. I have just finished the contruction of my 30gXT. Leak test and all. I will be setting up on saturday as well. Best o' luck.

[Jordan55]

I was going to get a 30 gallon XT but it was like 20$ price difference, and I need ervy penny I can get.

I think in the summer I will try and ask for a 30-40 gallon.... maybe 35 hex for my b-day. That will be a nice upgrade and everything will be healthy.... hopefully.

[pledosophy]

I'd stick with the one powerhead for now. With that and the Aquaclear 500 your flow will be high enough.

[Jordan55]

Yea I wasn't sure how much flow would be going through the tank.

Would it be a good idea to keep all the flow to one side of the tank so the horses can have a calm side? Or spread out so water distribution is mixted all around equally.

[pledosophy]

IME I like to break the flow up throughout the system so there is no area where the current is to strong for the seahorse to swim through.

If you ask me you will not be able to section off a 25g tank so there is only flow on one side, the system is just to small.

The best way IMO is to break up the flow as much as possible to make the entire tank a suitable environment for a seahorse.

This can be achieved by utalizing such equipment as spraybars, by pointing the powerhead toward the surface of the water, or by pointing the powerhead towards the back of the LR structure. In the last example I would be sure that there is no way a seahorse could swim in front of the powerhead and be pushed and then pinned in the LR. It would most likely kill them, if it took you to long to notice. The stress incurred would be great.

Good Luck!

[Jordan55]

Well I will start mixing water tomorrow.

I will throw in some pictures tomorrow of some of my equipment.

3 days:)

[cj_basser]

Good to hear the tank is getting set up.

Let me know if you want any live mysis shrimp or pods. I have tons of them in my refugium that you are welcome to.

[Jordan55]

Thanks CJ. I may need a little bit after a month to get my fuge started.

Well tonight I put in 11 gallons of RO water and started mixing salt. I am a little nervous because the salt has been open in my basment for a few months and it is kinda hard untill you break it up. So far it is dissolving well but I have a feeling I will run into a problem shortly because I have less than 48 hours untill I need it.

I got my light bulb for the fuge... I think the macro will grow well under it.

Tomorrow I am going back for 11 more gallons of RO. With the left over, I can get ready for a water change after a week or so.

I also called the LFS and got the 25 gallon in today... so I will pick that up tomorrow or Saturday.

About 44 more hours:)

[TippyToeX]

Yea Jordan! This has been a long time coming. :) Can't wait to see some pictures.

[Jordan55]

Tank is in the house, 21 gallons of saltwater is being mixed, and I am getting anxious!

So far so good.

About 19 more hours:)

Pictures in a couple hours.

[DebsSisterFlo]

woohoo! My friend (mako56) pm'd me and he has our live rock so I'm going this weekend to pick it up. Then I can start cycling my tank! :D

[Jordan55]

I will be home in about 5 hours with rock:)

Expect lots of pictures today.

[Jordan55]

Water is on. Sand is in. Rock is in. We have a tank!

I will snap a few pictures tonight of everything.

[Jordan55]

Well the tank is almost 7 hours old. Sand is cleared down probably 80-90% and everything seems to be going fine. I had literally exact water... so I may have to go and get some for top off/water change.

Rock is perfect. I got to handpick (plus a nice discount). It had literally no smell since it has been curing for weeks. So I expect about a week or 2 for the cycle.

I snapped a few pictures of lights and filter, then some pictures of the tank after set up. Hope you enjoy.... and throw in some comments!

Filter. Cj made it... I added a little to it. Thanks man!
http://tinypic.com/mbmt69.jpg

http://tinypic.com/mbmueq.jpg

http://tinypic.com/mbmumu.jpg

Lights. 50/50 PC 110 watt. 40$
http://tinypic.com/mbmurb.jpg

http://tinypic.com/mbmuya.jpg

I was little worried with heat. The first couple hours, the lights were off and tank sat around 70ish. Lights went on and they went up to about 72ish. I put in my heater and it is around 76 now. I am going to have to get the temp up to about 78ish for the horses... then slowly bring it down to around 72.

[Jordan55]

Here is the filter all hooked up. It has some serious flow to it... so I don't think I will need a pump.... but I may put one in later on if need be.

http://tinypic.com/mbmxvr.jpg

http://tinypic.com/mbmxxg.jpg

Full tank shots. I am not sure if I am satisfied with rock work. I like the pieces I got, but I think I need to move them around a little. I am going to have to have a tall pillar on the left because the intake of the filter and the heater are there... and I do not want them showing. If I can rearrange the rocks some, I may be able to do something different, but still get the equipment hidden.

http://tinypic.com/mbmzus.jpg

http://tinypic.com/mbmzw5.jpg

Any suggestions are welcome on the rockwork. Please post your ideas and comments! Thanks

[pledosophy]

Good Start.

Hard to make suggestions on the rockwork since I can't play with it myself. I spend hours aranging my rock, just a habit.

Keep it up!

[Urabggr]

Looks good! Only suggestion with the rockwork is to not have rocks touching the glass. Rocks touching glass = many problems IME. Keep up the good work!

[Jordan55]

That you both.

Urabggr- I had trouble seeting up these rocks inside my tank. The tanks layout is 12 inches wide and 24 inches long.... not a very open bottom. It is hard to keep them from touching the glass and keep the sandbed open for macros and my goby.

I understand why I should keep them away.... but I have never had a problem with it in the past, and I think this may be the one way. I will work with them today. Thanks for your concern though!


Day 2- Water is a lot clearer. Tank seems to be doing fine. I will mess around with rock more. Pictures later on.

[cj_basser]

Good to see it set up!!!

You did a great job on the filter, too. How did you knotch out the overflow in the filter?

When I bought the fully cured rock from PhishyBusiness, I had a very small cycle. In fact, I had no nitrate/ trite/ or ammonia spike ( but I was also using cheap test ktis.) Definantly let the tank mature, though.

The LR pillars look sweet. It will be hard aquascaping in suchj a tall, narrow space......and not having the rocks touch the glass would be pretty hard.

CJ

[xdusty6920]

looks great jordan. are you gonna start cultering pods and mysis to feed?
i would try putting all the liverock on the left side of the tank. have its tallest point at the back of the tank and its lowest point at the front of the tank just left of center. making a slop that slightly curves to the right if that makes sense at all. this way you have 4 things to your benefit.
-covers fuge inlet and heater
-unique aquascape
-leaves almost the entire 2/3 of the right side open for macro
-leaves a great place to stick a few frags just in case the naked LR starts bothering you.
give it a try and see how it looks.

[DebsSisterFlo]

This is fun that so many of us are setting up at the same time. I don't mean to hijack your thread, but just thought I'd post a pic of my rockwork, just added it yesterday. I was told it's uncured but I can go right over the tank and there is hardly any smell at all. I will leave it and start testing next weekend to watch my perameters.
Oh, just a note that yes I am removing that sponge filter, it's just so useful for clearing up the water when it's stirred up.

http://www.aquaria.info/modules/gallery/albums/album23/live_rock_all_set_up.sized.jpg

[Jordan55]

Thank you all!

CJ- I used a scroll saw to cut out the notches... pretty easy. Thanks for the compliments. Are you going to be able to set upa SH tank?

Dusty- Thank you! I do not think I am going to culture mysis or pods. The horses eat frozen very well. I will however hatch some baby brine shrimp eggs after the cycle and let them grow for about month or 2 before the horses go in. Hopefulyl some pods will turn up in the back fuge so a little snack. Plus with CJ and Hollback, I can take some from them!

I understand what you are saying about the rock.... atleast I think I do, and I like the idea. I will do it in a little bit and see if our ideas are the same.

Debsisterflow- Thank you and nice tank! I like the PVC idea... wish I had room to do it! You're not highjacking at all..... please post more pictures later on!


Thank you everyone.... new rock work will begin in a little bit followed by pictures!

[trailer]

as for the rockwork, i made an arch out of similar pieces. i drilled a 1/2" hole thorough my rock and stacked them on top of each other. the supports were a 7/16" lee's rigid tubing i found at my LFS. the rock will lean toward the centar and the two pillars will rest on each other. when i get my camera from my girlfriends house i will post a pic. it look awesome.

[cj_basser]

Jordan, i don't think I will be setting up a SH tank. As much as I would like to, I don't think I will have enough time to properly care for them. Currently, I am working on plans for my dads ~135g reef that is going in his new showroom, and this summer i am going to be doing alot of Tournament fishing. As far as a new tnak for myself, I am thinking about setting up a propagation setup to prop rare SPS, LPS, and softies...to help suport my Tournament fishing.

BTW, let me know a few weeks in advance when you want some of the live mysis, so I can collect them from the fuge and get you a nice colony of them.

[Jordan55]

Trailer- Thanks, I messed with the rocks today and it looks nice, however, do take a picture because I am still intersted and it will also give others ideas as well.

CJ- Well you can't say 135 gallon is "okay"... lol. I am sure that will be fun! As far as fishing.... good luck! Where do you go? I am thinking I will need the mysis in a few weeks time. I will let you know though.

As I said, I did mess around with the rock I am satisfied with it now.... but maybe in a week I will snag up a few pieces from work.

[TippyToeX]

Looking good so far Jordan. :)

[Jordan55]

Okay, here are some pictures.

Full tank, new look ( Only spot where rock is touching glass is left side)
http://tinypic.com/mczo6c.jpg

Right side (I managed, no rock is touching back glass)
http://tinypic.com/mczpmc.jpg

Left side (No rock on back glass)
http://tinypic.com/mczq00.jpg

Fuge- Left side= 2 sponges just untill the tank clears up 100% (probably tomorrow) and a bag of carbon. Right side=Sand and rock for future pod growth and some chaeto.
http://tinypic.com/mczqtu.jpg

Fuge light
http://tinypic.com/mczssy.jpg

Little baggie of baby brine I think...maybe mysis. I will let them gorw for a few weeks in the tank and fuge before the horses arrive.
http://tinypic.com/mcztd1.jpg

[cj_basser]

I really like that rock work. It will give the horses a ton of space to swim....and the rock (bali?) has a ton of hitchign posts that they could wrap thier tail around. That is one mean looking fuge light, too.

Are you going to make a feeding station for the SH's?

I fish all over the country in junior tournaments...but mostly in Ohio ( ALum Creek, Delaware, O' Shaugnessy, and farm ponds)

CJ

[Jordan55]

Yea the rock is pretty sweet. I like it now due to all the little holes and caves and contrast to it. Plenty of room for macro on the sandbed and on the rock.

It is Bali.... best rock I have seen in my life. To be honest I feel I have had better rock than this before.... I would give this a 75% rating because when I set up my 55 I have some SWEET peices. Not that this rock is bad, but that gives you an idea as to how nice it is.

Next thing I need to do is put a nice black background on the tank.

I do not know about a feeding station. I was this tank to really natural, thats why i am going with different types of macro all over the tank. So if I can find/make a feeding station and blend it into the rocks... maybe.

[cj_basser]

You could use clam shell that is turned upside down...so the cupped side is facing up. Then, epoxy it to the rock work...or just leave it on the sand. It would give a really nice natural look to it. You could even use a whole clam shell..the horses would really have to get down it to eat, though.

[Jordan55]

Yea I will look into that.... but it isn't a real top priority IMO. Does it have any other benefits other than cleaner water in the long run? I like to see the horses hunt for their food:)

Day 3- Water is clearest yet. Temp. is staying at 78 and that is that the heater is set to.... so I think I have control over the temp probably untill around 72 or so.

Biggest problem I see in the future will be evaporation. I have had the lights on a total of 8-10 hours probably in the past 3 days and I already have about an inch evap because it is right in line of a window.

When I sold my stuff, I sold my RO/DI unit so that means to Walmart I go for water. I think I might have to have around 5 gallons a week or so on evap.

Right now, I just do not have $$ to get one.,... but within the next month or two depending on paychecks, I may be able to snag the one I used to have.

The filter/fuge has a nice flow and on day 3 it is pretty loud due to evap. Hopefully I can get an RO sooner than later.

[ReefNutPA]

The advantage of the feeding station is you can monitor exactly how much each seahorse is eating and would notice any change in feeding behavior for a particular seahorse.

Additionally, even though you like to watch them hunt.... mysis shrimp that gets stuck in crevices, sucked into filters and such will start rotting and increase nitrates.

IMO, a feeding station IS important for those reasons - you can monitor feeding behavior and you'll be able to concentrate the food in one area and remove uneaten food after they've had their fill, thus keeping water parameters more stable.

Overall, the choice is yours. However, you'll have the most success if you do what's best for the horses - not what's best for you ;)

Tom

[DebsSisterFlo]

thanks, I learned something. Jordan I love the new rockwork! Very nice!

[8BALL_99]

Very nice setup.. I like the rockwork Now better then the first way..

[Jordan55]

Reef Nut I do agree with you on the monitor factor... but when you have 2 sea horses in a 25 gallon, monitoring wouldn't be that hard.

And when you have a goby and multiple snails and hermits to clean up left over food.... decaying food isn't a HUGE problem.

I do see the advantages though, and thank you for pointing them out... but in my case I think it could go either way.

Thanks 8Ball!

[cj_basser]

Any updates?

If you are going to let the horses hunt for the mysis...i would try to strain the food with mesh netting, and then feed only the frozen mysis. This should help eliminte some of the watse juises that the mysis are frozen in. This will help keep the tank cleaner.

[Jordan55]

Well... nothing really here on day 5. Water level is low and I haven't had the lights on really at all. Dang the window!

I am glad Phishy is going to have a RO unit in the store because I do not feel like dropping 175$ on a unit when I only need like 5 gallons a week if that.

I haven't noticed any algae or anything.... so I assume I am still in some middle stage in the cycle.

On Saturday I am going to get my water tested at Phishy's and see what we get.

As far as feeding, I still do not know what I want to do. If I strain the mysis, I am afraid I will get rid of a lot of healthier stuff they mysis has to it. You have to realize.... with a careful eye, a nice size clean up crew, and a shrimp goby to help with feeding.... I think I should be alright. So we will see how it goes.

I am just kind of looking for some type of shrimp goby. I think I like the Hi fin banded goby. He stays small and looks pretty sweet.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=181

So.... everything is just going well and I am basically sitting and tapping fingers.

[Jordan55]

1 WEEK MARK!

I come with good and bad news.

Bad- The HOBG fuge/filter I got from Cj had a lip missing on the side when I got it. So I patched it up and over the past week I guess it has been springing a tiny leak. Nothing too big, but it sends a couple drops down the back of the tank and I didn't notice really till today. So I am going to go out and buy some silicon and patch it back up again.

Also, my lights seem to be either cheap, or messed up. Sometimes they turn on, sometimes the don't and I think it has to do with me taking it aprt in the beginning. I had to put in the bulbs and undo some screws. So.... today I will unhook that and go in and check it out.

Good news, the tank is doing well. Nothing major happening. I borrowed a test kit from work, so I am going to test ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and I will post results.

Wish me good luck, and I will come back with readings later on.

[Jordan55]

Well I tested it... and they all came up 0. So I think I am going to have my boss do it. It is one of those electronical and powder ones.... aka confusing.

So hopefully on Tuesday I will give ya all some readings. Maybe snap a few pictures of the tank tomorrow also.

[cj_basser]

That sucks about the Lip. No wonder the water was "evaporating" so quickly. I am not sure if this will work, but in order to keep most water off of the side that was broken, try putting a small peice of acrylic on the overflow on the side that the lip is on. This will divert the flow to not be directly ont he lip.

I hope that makes sense.

I didn't really have a true cycle with my tank when I put in the fully cured rock ( no algea blooms or spikes)

[Jordan55]

I am going to go out and buy some silicon tomorrow, so I will just fix it once and for all. IT wasn't really that much of a leak. I do not think it was the problem of my evap. The reason for my evap is because of my tank has a window that hits it for multiple hours in the afternoon.

I will post some pictures tomorrow or Monday of the tank and like I said, have test results on Tuesday.

[pledosophy]

The biggest issue with that window is going to be algae problems, and heat. You might want to get an insulated curtain.

Silicone could work for the filter. Hope it does for you.

The readings could mean your tank is cycled, but best to double check.

Crazy reading along this journey with you and how close you are.

Kudos.

[Jordan55]

Thanks pled.

I had my 55 gallon in front of the window for over a year with no algae or heat problems. The window is a good 15 feet away from the window but gets direct sunlight in for a few hours.

I found my old test kit today and used it on the tank. All readings came up 0 again. Even though it is over a year old, I think it worked.

I still need to wait awhile (due to $$) before I get anything. But maybe I could snag from macro from work or something.

[pledosophy]

Just keep feeding the tank. YOu can use pure unscented amonia, or the amount of food you plan on feeding the seahorse. You want to keep all the bacteria alive.

Did you add food and then test for amonia an hour later. I'd try that if not.

Otherwise keep it up!

[Jordan55]

Update on Day 9.

Got some pictures here. I think I am gonna get a ball of chaeto at work tomorrow for the fuge, then hatch those little shrimp (they take 24 hours).

I am also going to pick up 3-5 hermits and 3-5 snails. If they all do well after a week, I am going to goahead and try to stock up on snails/hermits and start going for some macro.... but this all depends if the money tree is doing well also.

Full tank. That is flow in the picture, not white things on glass.
http://i1.tinypic.com/mvl252.jpg

Close up on rock. GREAT stuff!
http://i1.tinypic.com/mvlnih.jpg

Different rock
http://i1.tinypic.com/mvlno7.jpg

How it looks from above, and no rocks touching back glass!
http://i1.tinypic.com/mvlnv7.jpg

(Weird angle, sorry) Flow picture, great for surface movement!
http://i1.tinypic.com/mvloi0.jpg

Thanks everyone!

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, awesome set up!!!!!!!! I'm just starting my 24 gallon, it will be running in just 2 days! No horses for me though. What kind of pendant do you have over your fuge?


Amanda

[Jordan55]

Thanks Amanda! Glad to hear you're getting back in.... but I wish you got horsies!

I had a reflector thingy for my turtle (long time ago) and got a 60 or 75 watt (can't remember) bulb for it.

Sorry, not much info on the light... I can't remember that much about it. I saw some stuff on Melevs thread in the DIY forum on fuge lights.

But....I picked up 5 blue leg hermits and 5 astrea snails tonight. I also picked up a clump of macro algae for the fuge (chaeto). It has some pods also in it.

So tomorrow I am going to get some RO water. Going to do a water change Thursday or Friday.

Tomorrow I am going to get those baby brine shrimp in some RO water because they hatch in 24 hours.... so thursday my tank should have baby brine.

Also, CJ is going to try and hook me up with a cup full of live sand from his tank and try and get some live mysis for me.

Updates in a day or two!

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Awesome! Can't wait to see more pics!

[Jordan55]

Well I emailed aquatraders today. (I am home sick:()

My lights have been crappy. Ever since I set up the tank, they have been messed up really. I go to turn them on, and they flick on... then turn off. Sometimes they saty on for a minute, sometimes an hour or two.... but they sjut off by themselves.

So I emailed them..... but I noticed a return policy is to have orginal packing...... who the heck keeps orginal packing for 3 weeks?

I hope they allow me for a free one.

If not, I think I will just but two more reflectors and bulbs like my fuge...but for my display.... I do not have 50$ to drop on lights.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, what lights do you have?

[Jordan55]

Here are the lights.

Really cheap price... but I am afriad I just may get what I pay for:(

[reef runt]

tanks looking good, un-lucky about the lights though :(

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Hey Jordo, you feeling better?

I bought my sand and live rock yesterday, I'm so excited!

[Jordan55]

Yes I am feeling better:)

I came home and slept through 2 periods, then went back to school. I hate missing work.

PLEASE post pictures of your tank Amanda!

Thanks reef nut!

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Just posted my pics Jordo...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=765322


I love having MH, WOW, what a difference! I'm having a problem with micro bubbles though, is that part of a breaking in period for skimmers?


Amando

[Brandino007]

Sweet tank.

I am just following along since I am thinking about setting up a seahorse tank in the near future once I can get a job.

It sucks being 16 and having this hobby and having no money.

Good luck with the tank man.

[Jordan55]

Thanks Brandin! Follow along, please. It may help ya out.

It also helps working for a fish store:)

Well I am about to do a water change (3 gallons). Gotta raise my salinity a tad.

The baby brine are not hatched yet. I think I will release them in the morning or when I get home from school.

I also picked up 5 more blue legs and 5 more astrea. On Saturday I think I am going to pick up a few nassarius and maybe a couple ceriths.

Still no reply from Aqua Traders:( Looks like I might have to light my tank with two of my fuge lights. I hope it works/looks nice:confused:

Amanda-- I am about to check it out. I would love to have MH... but$$ is low and they can be a heat issue with horses. You will have to break in the skimmer. It will probably take a week or two for it break in. Micro bubbles are normal.

[Bdimas]

Jordan,
I've heard alot of bad reviews on those aquatrader lights. Hopefully they'll refund you and you can get some better lights. They dont last to long.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, good luck with getting a hold of the company, and if you don't, be sure to report them to the BBB!

You are so lucky to work at a LFS, someday, after all my kids are in school, I might work at Moby Dicks, the owner is always asking if I want to work there, it's so tempting, especially the discount!!!

Do you have any pics today?

[Jordan55]

Pics and updates tomorrow.... I am waiting to say "2 week mark":D

[Jordan55]

Well.... it is now week 2!

Tank is doing wonderful. So far, so good.

I have 10 blue leg hermits and 10 astrea snails. In about a week I am going to get 5 nassarius and maybe 3-5 ceriths. I may need about 5-10 more astrea, and then my clean up crew is done.

Yesterday I picked up some macro, live and, and a few pods/mysis from Cj. Thanks man! The macro is a sweet red/blue type.

In about a week, I figure I will start seeing some life in the tank.

Aqua Traders hasn't set me a reply yet on what they want me to do.... some I am awaiting that one. But they did give me the option of new lights or new ballast. I think I will pick ballast.

However, the lights were/are working for me right now. So I grabbed a few pictures.

I also picked up about 3 more lbs of live rock for the fuge and some nice small peices for the tank.

Fuge with rock and chaeto. I will take out the red macro and put in the display when I get my lights working.
http://i1.tinypic.com/n553tf.jpg

Close up of rocks
http://i1.tinypic.com/n557jr.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/n557p0.jpg

Old full tank shot
http://i1.tinypic.com/mvl252.jpg

New full tank shot
http://i1.tinypic.com/n557r5.jpg

Hope you enjoy!

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, I LOVE your aquascaping!!!!!!!!!! Very cool!!!!!!!

More pics please!!


Amando

[cj_basser]

Looking good Jordan!

Not sure if you saw it...but there is stem of a sweet looking red macro that gorws like seagrass. I tried to get a few more stams for you....but it didn't want to leave the rock it was attatched on.

There are tons of holes and knooks that the horses could hitch onto in that rock

[TippyToeX]

That is some sweet rock and perfect aquascaping Jordan! :)

[Jordan55]

Thanks Amy and Amanda!

CJ I put the big macro in the back and most of the small peices are on the sand bed. I think I knwo that stems you are talking about....but it will be hard to keep them alive since my lights are unpredictable. Thanks again man!

[Bdimas]

Looks great man!

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, I"m buying this light for my little fuge in th eback left chamber of my tank. It's only $13.99!!!


http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F52/Class/Fish+Supplies+Lighting+Fixtures/T1/F38GX+0047+0817/EDP/34781/Itemdy00.aspx

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, I"m buying this light for my little fuge in th eback left chamber of my tank. It's only $13.99!!!


http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F52/Class/Fish+Supplies+Lighting+Fixtures/T1/F38GX+0047+0817/EDP/34781/Itemdy00.aspx

[DebsSisterFlo]

I just can't get over that rockwork, it's gorgeous and I sure wish I had rock like it, instead of my big solid chunks. My tank is getting there; ammonia is at .25, nitrites are zero and nitrates are 10. I'm hoping that by next weekend I can start moving things to the 38g, probably start with live rock and mushrooms... I'm sure looking forward to it being all set up, but I know better than to rush... even tho I'm antsy!

[Jordan55]

Amanda, I was looking at that light... but my fuge is kind of large and my light spreads light over the whole thing.... but I do like that clamp on!

Deb- I know what you mean about rock. I remember buying my first rock from a online retailer and I thought it wasn't too bad. Then I saw my works... and I was like WOW! But I believe in the theory that no matter how much rock or what kind it is, it can always fit like puzzle, you just have to work around with it. Good luck, and keep us up with details!

Tank is is looking nice today. I am afraid I will not be able to stock it for another 2 weeks or so. Probably will stock macro first, then fish/goby. Then sea horses.

[pncstod]

uqiuq r

[pledosophy]

??????????????

[TippyToeX]

Jordan, do you know where you are getting your horses from? I went to TX a few weeks ago and got to hear Jorge Gomezjurado speak about his seahorses at Draco Aquaculture. It was so impressive!

[Jordan55]

Hey Amy!

I am getting my horses from my work:) (See occupation:D )

We have 3 females and 3 males in right now. From the looks of it, they all seem to be pregnant.... but we know of atleast 1 male having babies already. I am going to try and get the smallest pair... smallest is usually younger.

They are H. Erectus we are pretty sure... and if anyone wants to finalize that, please do.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=768966

I wish I could hear someone talk about horses.... it would be very interesting..... so mark me on your jealous list.

But I have to speak out and tell ya Amy.... it would be real cool if you got some also!

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, how are the parameters on your tank? It seems to be coming along nicely!!

[Swanwillow]

SORRY:

not erectus. Kuda. at least the male is... sometimes you get more than one species when you order (at LFS, etc.) take pictures of all of them, and we can see if we can match the species...

[Jordan55]

Amanda- Parameters are all 0.

Swan-- REALLY?! Gosh darnit! I was hoping they were erectus! We though they were. How can you tell?

I go to work on Thursday... so I will take some pictures then.

This upsets me a lot.... Kuda get pretty big compared to erectus correct?

[Swanwillow]

the smooth body, the black dots, not very bulky like an erectus (they have pretty deep chests)

and, comparing to pictures I've seen-it just SCREAMS kuda. the babies- small, and I bet they don't hitch onto anything, just kinda float round and round... the male you pictured has a lower crown than most kuda, but it doesn't look like a Reidi-they have more 'spikes' on the body.

Kuda and erectus stay bout the same size... kuda in captivity get to about 8 inches (I'm reading off of the .org right now, to get things right!!!) and erectus get bout the same. They would do just FINE in your tank!!!! either way!

its just harder to raise the babies.

[Jordan55]

Well thank you!

Can you link me to that site?

[Swanwillow]

seahorse.org used the search button for kuda...

[Jordan55]

Ahh... thanks... but it also says Kuda can get up to 12 inches.... while erectus can get up to 8.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, would you like me to post some pics of my Reidi I had? Lemme know if you do.

[Jordan55]

Please do.

I am anxious to go to work now on Thursday to snap some pictures.

This makes me very upset!

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

No problem Jordo...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/aealoveshergirls/January%202005/171_7172Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/aealoveshergirls/January%202005/174_7472Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/aealoveshergirls/170_7024Small.jpg


Lemme know if you need more.

[cj_basser]

I was just at the Jacks at Graceland, and they had some sweet seagrass type algea for $10. I forget what the actual name was....but when I saw it is looked like the perfect type of algea for a horse to hitch on.

BTW...how are the babies doing at work???

[TippyToeX]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6684528#post6684528 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jordan55
Hey Amy!

I am getting my horses from my work:) (See occupation:D )

Sweet! :D

I wish I could hear someone talk about horses.... it would be very interesting..... so mark me on your jealous list.

He was a great speaker too. If I hear of him going to any other clubs or events near to you I'll let you know.

But I have to speak out and tell ya Amy.... it would be real cool if you got some also!

That is totally going to happen! It might not be till the summer time though. I am setting up a breeding station in my garage for my clownfish pairs, and am thinking a few horses would be fun too. :rollface:

[Jordan55]

CJ- Yea... seagrasses require a little bit more extensive care than most of the "regular" macros. Not to mention a nice big DSB. But thanks for looking out!

We put the babies in the fuge the night they were born... and we haven't seen them since. It has been 2 weeks now. We are not too worried because we do not plan on trying to raise them as of yet.

Amanda- I think our horses look similar to yours! They do not have the horizontal lines on them, but they colors and markings are perfect! I am eager to get to work to snap pictures of our horses.

Amy- Breeding station would be a blast. With sea horses, it would be super fun! But make sure you have a nice display tank inside:)

[Jordan55]

Got this picture off his site... untill I can get some pictures tomorrow.

http://phishybusiness.com/images/corals/Fish106.jpg

Two different kinds here?

I do not think the lighter colored one is still there... it was one of the first ones shipped out I think.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, looks just like my Reidi!!!

[Swanwillow]

it does look like two different kinda to me-reidi and kuda.

about the only differences-adult size (yes-in the wild, 12 inches is common, but in our aquariums, realistically-8)

reidi have spikes
and longer snouts... Kuda got stubby-ish snouts in comparison. reidi also have 5 points on thier crown (ummm, at least, I THINK its the reidi-silly seahorses)
kuda's crown is tilted back, while the reidi have a crown that isn't tilted back (that part I have problems with-and some kuda have high crowns, or low crowns...oh, cornets, not crowns..duh)

otherwise, they are exactly the same. if you look at them from thier back, if you see spikes on thier bodies, chances are they are reidi. if there are no spikes, they are kuda. you can see in the yellow reidi pictures the spikiness of thier bodies... kuda just don't have quite that amount of spikes.

[Swanwillow]

ok-here we go, the things I don't understand about the cornet are here: http://forum.seahorse.org/index.php?showtopic=25153

[Jordan55]

Well I think it is not Kuda.

Someone on Seahorse.org helped me out.

Reidi crowns
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/seahorsedreams/bunchReidi2.jpg

Kuda crowns
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/seahorsedreams/bunchkudawithredline.jpg

I am still going to snap some pics tonight and make sure.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, I loved my reidi! They would eat anything, live or frozen, they weren't afraid of people being all in the tank and everything and they were quite active(for seahorses). I'm sure whatever you get, it will be nice.


Amanda

[majesticangelfish]

Gday!

Looking good mate!:thumbsup:

The whole gang is here....;):eek2:

[Swanwillow]

hehe, my reidi look like a cross....

glad they could help ya, though!!!

[Jordan55]

Thanks Amanda... I am almost positive that they are all Reidi, but, like I said, I am going to take some pictures.

Josh- Glad to see you here! You still have that 40 gallon pipe/sh tank back home..... no.... not ur USA home;) your birth home!

Swan- Thanks for making it clear though that my horses were not erectus! You saved me!

[Jordan55]

So I got a few pictures of 3-4 horses. Hopefully they are all the same, but some look a tad different.

First horsie
http://i1.tinypic.com/ng81vm.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/ng823a.jpg

Second. (Male, I want this one)
http://i1.tinypic.com/ng83n4.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/ng83r6.jpg

[Jordan55]

Female with some cirri
http://i1.tinypic.com/ng854x.jpg

Pregnant male
http://i1.tinypic.com/ng8qop.jpg

Female
http://i1.tinypic.com/ng8qqx.jpg

Random (I think this is a female)
http://i1.tinypic.com/ng8qw6.jpg

[whatnot45]

nice pics are these your horses? Id like to see a full tank shot now XD

[Jordan55]

These are the horses at my work.

The male I pointed out is the male I want, and I have my options of 1 or 3 females. The pair will go into my 25 gallon tank.... but that wont be untill the end of the month.

Thanks!


We still saying Reidi?

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

I say definetly Reidi!!

[majesticangelfish]

yeah i still have the 40g hex. SH+LPS

and another;) 46g bow SH+softie

[TippyToeX]

Reidi!! :D

[Jordan55]

Thanks everyone!
I agree with you all about them being Reidi.

Aqua Traders shipped out my ballasts today. So hopefully I will get them early next week.

[cj_basser]

Any Updates?

[Jordan55]

So far, nothing.

Everything is just chilling.

If I get my ballasts from AT before Tuesday night, I can pick up the macro from Phishy's when I work Tuesday.

I am just taking things slow and making sure nothing bad happens.

Probably order my shrimp/goby in the next week or so.

[Jordan55]

Well.
I got my new ballast running today, and lights look great.

Had them running for about 4 or so hours, and so far so good.

I picked up 5 nass. snails, 3 cerith snails, 4 blue legs and 1 scarlet hermit, and a big clumb of Halimeda today.

I will take some pictures this weekend.

Tank seems to be comming along, so that is good.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Awesome Jordo!!!! Can't wait to see pics!

[Jordan55]

Today is the one month anni of my tank!

Is come a short way for such a long time. I have been getting anxious to put stuff in, but all it has is some macro and clean up crew.

My goby/shrimp pair might be comming in next week.... so that is exciting.

I have also been looking at the Aquafuge and 13 watt Jali light strip to grow out more pods and macro. The AQ filter fuge is awesome, but to keep up with pods for seahorses, I need something bigger.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CPR-RF12&Category_Code=Special

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FI-A-SL-1213&Category_Code=Special

Here are some pictures!

Day 30 (aka today)
http://i1.tinypic.com/o608bn.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/o608kx.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/o608qa.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/o608s7.jpg

Amazing how much a little bit of green can shape up a tank.

I would say in another 3 weeks or so, this tank should be looking pretty sharp with the macros, fish/goby, and sea horses.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Looks awesome Jordo!!!!! I love Halimeda!!!!!!! I know I said this before too, but I love your rockwork! I can't wait to see how cool it looks with the horses!

[Spiffyguy]

how are you attaching the halimeda? I have some growing in my tank that I want to prune. Would be nice to attach it to a rock for other locations or to trade. Thanks

[cj_basser]

Looking good Jordan.

What kind of Goby/ Shrimp did you end up going with?

[Jordan55]

He is trying to get the Red Banded Goby and just a cheap pistol for me.

I would have asked you, but it was a last minute thing. He is also trying to get a few pairs in within his next shipment or two. So we will go from there.

But PM me what you want CJ and I will inform him.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, I can't wait to see more pics, hurry up!

[Jordan55]

Amanda! There is nothing to take pictures of! Lol.

Give it another week or two.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

what about your new light?

[cj_basser]

Any updates?

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, you home?

[Jordan55]

Hey guys! Thanks for the thread revive. Apart from nothing happening, no one really looks at this pup anymore so I thought it was useless.

Tank has been doing wonderful. Today would be day 40. More and more little bugs around the tank and more algae here and there. Haven't got anything new though:(

Goby/shrimp should be in tomorrow or next Tuesday. If not, I will just ask my other LFS to order. Once my goby/shrimp are in for about a week and if all goes well... SEA HORSE time:)

I figured right now the tank is fine for sh's. They have plenty or hitching posts on the rock and macro... so instead of waiting for more macroalgae, I will just pick some up as it comes in.

Here is a recent pic, but like I said nothing changed.
http://i2.tinypic.com/otne5k.jpg

Can't say I'm not patient:)

[YoungReefer]

Looks good I love the green pop!! Ouch my eyes hurt now

[Jordan55]

Well after a couple weeks of trying to get in the shrimp/goby... I think I may hold off.

My orginal plan was to get them before the horses because

A- I would rather screw up first with a goby than with 2 horses. Well really I would rather not screw up at all, but IF something were to go wrong, I would rather it happen to my goby first.

B- I am worried about the un eaten food left by the horses.

However, I came to realize,

A- If my inverts and parameters are okay, then the horses should also be fine.

B- Will hermits/snails clean up the left over food well enough? Should I pick up a cleaner shrimp to help?

I would like to have them to hunt the food and not have a feeding station, and I am worried of the un eaten food cuasing nitrate problems.

Whats your opinion? Grab a cleaner shrimp and horses this week? Wait for the shrimp/goby? Inverts will do fine... you can get the horses?

Thanks

[Swanwillow]

a) yes
b) as long as you know the associated problems with cleaner shrimp... go ahead. yes, hermits and snails will clean up good enough

if you check out floridapets, they have a shrimp/goby trio right now you may want to check out... I THINK its on the main page, otherwise I'll see if its on the specials page (for members only)

[Jordan55]

Please find out.

Looks like their shrimp are 6$... but I do not see a goby at all.

Only thing that sucks about them is they automaticaly have atleast a 18$ shipping charge.

So... I may just go ahead and get the horses (and maybe a cleaner).... and hold off on the shrimp/goby untill we get them in.

But please link me to the goby/shrimp.

Thanks

[Swanwillow]

it is on the members only page... join the mailing list, and I can PM ya the members only page after you get on!!!
its a pair of threadfin gobies with the pistol, and they also have a randalii goby too...

[djc1026]

Another thing that helps control nitrates is non calcerous macros. When I set up my tank, I used water from an established LR tank at the LFS. Nitrates were 40 ppm, I put in 5 different kinds of macros and a week later my nitrates were 0.

Dave

[Jordan55]

Swan-- Thanks. I think I signed up:confused: I entered my email in the place on the home page.

Edit-- Yea I am on it.

Dj- I have some macro in there now. I will be getting more either from Florida Pets or my work one I get some money and find some available. Thanks.... but I just don't like the idea of uneaten food sitting on my sandbed.... but I am sure the clean up crew will take care of most of it.

[Swanwillow]

you got a pm...:D

[Jordan55]

Would it be a good idea to get both of the horses at the same time, or does it matter?

$ is real short right now and I don't see me getting a whole bunch soon. It will all come in in small amounts. So I could get a horse now, and then get the other one in a couple weeks. Good idea? Bad idea?

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, get the horses when you can aford them. They won't mind a month's difference, they will still be young.

[Brock Fluharty]

I wouldn't add baby brine shrimp directly to your tank for a few reasons.

1) Baby brine hatch water is filthy. It releases junk into the water when they hatch, and will foul quickly.

2) Baby brine in a system with live rock is just asking for hydroids. Hydroids can sting and kill horses, especially juvies.

3) Unless it is less than 24 hours old, it will need to be enriched with products such as Selco, or Kent Zoe. If not, it would be like us eating dirt. Nutritionally void. Seahorse.org has all of this information in their database. Check it out.


Brock

[Jordan55]

Okay Amanda... I may pick my first one this weekend then.

Ben, I hatched the brine in like over a month ago, so after the couple water chnages I have done, I think it should be okay.

I mainly hatched them so that they could grow up some because I knew the sea horses wouldn't be in the tank for a little bit, so it gave them time to grow some.

As far as pests, so far so good.

Thanks for your concern though!

[ReefNutPA]

Jordan,

Seahorses are social animals..... why subject the seahorse to being alone for even a few weeks because you don't have the money to get both of them? That's being a bit selfish and really isn't fair to the animal.

Wait until you have the money to purchase a pair.

Tom

[Jordan55]

Yea I suppose your right. I wouldn't feel right getting one alone. At the same time, its nerve racking having a tank up for almost 2 months now and nothing to look at.

[ReefNutPA]

I know it's hard to wait... been there, done that. Is there anything else you want that you could add to the tank now so it wouldn't seem so empty to you? Featherdusters? Finger leather? Polyps? Mushrooms?

Tom

[pledosophy]

You could add a couple of gobies to help get the bioload for the bacteria going. Maybe a yellow watchman, a clown goby, perhpas a highfin, could get a twin spot. :)

I would get all of the seahorses you want to keep in that tank for the next 5 years, at once. JMO

[Jordan55]

Lol... I would have got the shrimp/goby pair.... but $$ is REAL tight right now. SO instead of getting my goby/shrimp now and sea horses probably a month later atleast, I will just switch it around.

I have a good clean up crew to take care of un eaten food, and my parameters are all fine.

So hopefully within the next 2 weeks, I will have my two sea horses.

[pledosophy]

Sound Plan.

[Jordan55]

Aclimating now:)

[cj_basser]

You HAVE to get some pics ASAP!!!!

Did you end up getting one or two of them?

[Jordan55]

Well. I got the horses. Male and female Reidi. I also picked up some Codium Fragile for 6$! What a deal!

Here is the new stuff! Day 50!

http://i2.tinypic.com/r8b30m.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/r8b4wi.jpg

Female
http://i2.tinypic.com/r8b57p.jpg

Male
http://i2.tinypic.com/r8b5fd.jpg

I drip aclimated them for about an hour and 15 min. Then raised there temp for about 30 min because it wasn't exact. The female seems to be swimming around the left side of the glass while the male seems to enjoy my halimeda... everything seem okay? When can I expect them to find each other and get settled in?

[Swanwillow]

they look great!!! older than mine when I got them, thats for sure.

they'll interact after awhile, mine took about 3 weeks before they actually 'interacted' with eachother, other than hitching on eachother at food times. that said, mine were about as developed as yours are now when they really started reacting to eachother.

I think it depends on the horse too??? they already look pretty settled in to me. ya can try to feed them, and see how they do!!!

[Swanwillow]

oh-and that was two days, not two weeks :p

whered ya find the codium? local?

[Jordan55]

I fed them some tonight. The male was in the back so I didn't see him eat... but the female ate a little.

I got the codium at an LFS. They had a few more clumps left... but I got the biggest one:)

[cj_basser]

They are looking sweet!!! Man, every time I see the horses at Serdars I always regret not setting up a SH tank.

[pledosophy]

They look happy and healthy. Good Job to you for a tank well done.

If you ever need to get rid of some of that codium, you know who to PM :). Very nice find, nice to see you get to this far.

I think you will be very happy in the long run you did it the right way.

Congrats again on the beautiful horses. :)

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

JORDO!!!! Congratulations!!!!! They are beautiful!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you. There will be babies a plenty very soon!!!

I like your new macro too. I have never seen it at my LFS.


Amanda

[Jordan55]

So it's day three for the horses.

The female eats the frozen, but the male doesn't seem to touch it. He ate at work... but he isn't eating any now:(

I do have pods in the tank, so he may be chowing on some of those.... but so far, he hasn't tocuhed frozen. Should I wait it out some more... or worry now?

[Brock Fluharty]

I would wait it out for maybe another day, then start trying to entice him to eat it. Wiggle it in front of his face, and be persistent. or you can get him some enriched BS, or mysis shrimp, but then there's the chance that he may not go back to frozen...

[ReefNutPA]

Jordan,

Are you using a feeding dish (recommended) or letting the seahorses chase after the mysis?

Tom

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Jordo, try some live brine, then after a week, gradually switch him over. I did that with my mandarins and it worked like a charm!

[Jordan55]

I have not had a chance to use a feeding dish yet. Im afraid if I use one, it will just sit in the dish and the sea horses will not find it.

[Swanwillow]

heres what to do for a feeding dish:
get a clear turkey baster (at least, thats what I did) they can see the mysis in it... will entice them to eat when you gently move them up and down in it.

gently let a peice or two flow into the dish. move water over them to keep them suspended... then add more, and more... once the horses are eating, they'll know that turkey baster=food.

I'm not allowed to have the turkey baster in the tank with out feeding now!!! the horses go NUTS every time they see it.

[Swanwillow]

oh, and don't use live brine... horses are nothing like mandarins... if they start eating LB, they may never go BACK to frozen...

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

That's interesting! I fed my horses frozen mysid daily except on the weekends I would give them a special treat of either live brine or ghost shrimp. They never had a problem on Mondays going back to frozen.

Something needs to be done to get the horse to eat, it's not like a fish where you can go days without food.

[Flipturn88]

Jordo, are you feeding the same brand of frozen mysis as they were eating at the store? Some of my seahorses will only eat certain brands, probably due to the size of the shrimp. You could also try garlic; it will entice many finicky fish to eat. HTH

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6950941#post6950941 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Swanwillow
oh, and don't use live brine... horses are nothing like mandarins... if they start eating LB, they may never go BACK to frozen... Personally, I've never had a problem with that; all of my mandarins and horses will gladly accept both interchangeably. If you can, enriching the brine would increase it's nutritional value from practically zero. Aerating them in Selco for ~12 hours is an excellent option.

[Swanwillow]

really, I thought that they were hard to get back on after they have been on live food for well-they ^ were talking about weeks... not just a couple times/week

[Jordan55]

I am feeding them frozen Plankton by Hikari. IT was the closest thing they had to mysis as the store.

I have the feeding station in the tank now. I am just worried for the male. Would it have anythign to do with him being pregnant?

I am aslo worried the female will not take to the station.

[pledosophy]

Frozen Plankton is not seahorse food. YOu need to find mysis ASAP. Frozen plankton is not going to work for you.

[ReefNutPA]

ACK! Jordan! You didn't get mysis BEFORE you got the seahorses? You need to find some NOW or order it online for overnight delivery. No wonder the one isn't eating :(

BTW, from the pic you posted it doesn't appear to me that the male is pregnant. I could be mistaken though, keep us posted.

Tom

[Flipturn88]

Yes! They NEED mysis. My horses love Hikari's brand--even more so than PE, probably because it's smaller and more compact (thus easier to snick).

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6953207#post6953207 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Swanwillow
really, I thought that they were hard to get back on after they have been on live food for well-they ^ were talking about weeks... not just a couple times/week You may be right about prolonged periods on a certain diet--I only ever feed live foods for a couple days on occasion.

[Jordan55]

:( :( :(

Dang! Well I stopped by a LFS on the way home picking up Mysis and the guy said this was the closest thing to mysis they had!

I will stop by an LFS tonight and pick some up!

I feel like a NoOb.

[ReefNutPA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6958424#post6958424 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jordan55

I feel like a NoOb.


Trust me.... we've all done things and afterwards thought to ourselves "What was I thinking!?!?!?!"

Tom

[Jordan55]

Hey everyone. I picked up some frozen mysis tonight at the LFS. Before I left to go out, I fed the female some plankton, she ate but the male did not.

Got home, thawed the mysis, squirted some by them (they were actually together for the first time also). Well..... HE ATE! MUAHAH! I was so happy. Female ate some also.

Finally got them both eating. I just want to thank you all for the helpful hints and advice. I was planning on getting some mysis this weekend, but when you guys made it obvious, I had to get some tonight. It may have been too late by the weekend anyways.

I will continue to update this thread atleast once a week, so keep following along for thr ride if you want to. You can post any questions anyone has and post pictures also!

Thanks everyone!

[Flipturn88]

Glad to hear it, Jordo. :thumbsup: Unfortunately, some of us speak from experience on such issues.

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Congrats Jordo!!!! I'm so happy they are both eating.

[parhead]

looking good Jordan.....I cant wait to see it in person!

[Jordan55]

Today is the one week mark for the horses. I must say, both are doing perfectly well and eating frozen mysis.

I did a gallon water change on the tank today and re did the rock work. The horses were in the back on the tank 50% of the time, and it got to be hard when it came to feeding time. Not to mention we had no viewing pleasure.

I am going to start introducing the feeding station this week, I just am making sure both horses are eating the food and are used to it before I do the station.

I will try and post a picture tonight or tomorrow, depending on how well the tank clears up.

Thanks everyone!

[cj_basser]

Sounds like the tnak is coming along nicely. What are you going to use for a feeding station?

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Hey Jordo, any new pics of your rockwork? Or of the horses?

[ade]

I was reading that you said that plankton was not good for seahorses.Why?. I have SF Bay Brand.My SH eat it as well as any food I put in there.

[Jordan55]

Well today is day 8 for the horses and like 58 for the tank.

Horses are both doing excellent and so is the tank.

Here are a few pictures of them and the new look. I like it a lot because it has depth and more angles to veiw. Also gives the horses more free space and more places for new macro algae. Not to mention, plenty of places for the goby to make his new home, which I hope he will be in the LFS within the next week or so.

http://i1.tinypic.com/rsu9o9.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/rsudqf.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/rsuf5g.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/rsufbb.jpg

Enjoy.

[Swanwillow]

ok, since noone answered the why no plankton question, here ya go, I'm using an example I thought of yesterday.

plankton is great food for fish that can eat it. Seahorses have NO stomache; therefore, they need to beable to take out as much as they can from the food, as fast as they can. Plankton is not made up of things that are fatty;not as nutritious as mysis. Off the top of my head, I don't know whats in 'plankton' do you? Copepods are good, but if its chopped krill.. Ijust dunno whats in it exactly.

now, Brine shrimp is HORRIBLE. When I think of plankton, I think of BS... and The way I defend the no-using BS is this way:
Mammal babies drink milk. They grow on milk, then transfer over to solid foods. A mammal cannot go back to living on milk alone... not even with vitamin supplementation. NOW, that same mammal CAN live off of steak (or grass, i suppose) with vitamin supplementation;ever notice how your dogs eats grass???
milk=brine, steak=mysis.

[Jordan55]

So.... anyone like the new tank layout?

[Jordan55]

Just from glacing at the ingredients, Ocean Plankton seems to be more healthier than mysis.

[Swanwillow]

due to the content? or the stuff printed: whats the package say, ingredient wise? and content wise?

[Jordan55]

Okay.

Ocean Plankton contains a lot of ingredients.

Here are the Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein- 12% min.
Crude Fat- 1.5% min
Crude Fiber- 3.5% max
H2O- 79%max

Mysis Shrimp's ingredients is only mysis.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein- 3.7% min
Crude Fat- .44% min
Crude Fiber- .3% max
H2O- 92% max


Doesn't the Analysis prove OP to be more nutrious... or am I wrong?

[ReefNutPA]

Jordan... which mysis is that? Most keepers use PE Mysis (69% protein) and/or Hikari mysis (10.5%min protein).

Plankton isn't a "standard" seahorse food. I'm not sure what effects it may have long-term if that is their diet.

Tom

[Jordan55]

I'm using San Fransico Bay Brand.

Anyone have a picture of what PE or Hikari Mysis looks like (package picture) so I can look for it in the LFS next time.

Thanks

[jmicky41]

I noticed on the PE mysis bag the protein is 69% protein "dry weight". Aren't most things mostly protein if you dry them? Aren't most mysis brands the same species of shrimp? I wonder if the other brands rate their protein content with water (as packaged) not "dry weight". At any rate it is a fine product in my book and the fish love it.

[Swanwillow]

yes, most things are protein dry weight... its kinda confusing, really. brine shrimp is 8% not water when hydrated, I don't know how much mysis is when hydrated: probably around 20% or so.

PE uses a different type of bigger mysis than normal. Otherwise, its about the same... the packaging process is different also, with PE being bigger and intact, vs other brands.

[Jordan55]

Okay, now that the horses are eating fine, I am ready to try my feeding station. But.... I just do not understand how it works! I mean, how will the horses know that the food is in there? My horses seem to always be low in the tank at feeding time, and my male always seems to be in the rocks when it comes time:rolleyes:

So tell me some good pointers to get them into a feeding station. Here are a few things I do for feeding, and a few questions.

I thaw my mysis within like 5 minutues. Turn of the filter. Use my syringe to suck up the mysis then squirt a little bit at a time to the horses. I usually suck up anything that gets away (or atleast try) and squirt it back down to them.

Questions:

Should the feeding station be in the tank 24/7 so they get use to it? Or should it be enetered in the tank at feeding times, so they know whats comming.

Should I try and feed certain times on the days? I usually feed whenever I get a chance, two times a day. But with high school, tennis, youth group, work, and friends..... my feeding times get alll screwed up.

Thanks!

[Swanwillow]

mine is left in the tank... its actually attached to the side of the tank.

if they are used to the syringe, do they react to it? mine come a swimming right away when they see mine... then, instead of squirting into the water column, squirt it down into the feeding dish. they'll stare at it, snick at it maybe: if you have to, gently blow it around so it moves a bit...

they'll catch on.

[alien9168]

I like the new tank layout. :)

-alien

[Jordan55]

Thanks Alien.

I just got some new caulerpa macro today. Looks real good.

I have a couple questions real quick.

A- I know when it comes to feeding horses, it can be tricky with how much to feed and how often. I heard that you shouldn't feed too much at one time because it can pass right through their bodies. But you also shouldn't feed too little because they may not be able to pull enough nutrients out of the mysis.

But I was really wondering about the time lapse in between feedings. What is the minimal and maxium? I feed my horses 2 times a day, but sometimes can't feed the first time untill 3 PM. So I was just wondering how long is too long and too short in between feedings.

B- What exactly is a "pygmy" sea horse? Are they dwarfs? Do they have a scientific name? One of my LFS got two in. They are already on hold, but was wondering if they had a more scientific name than pygmy, or if their are different types. They were only probably an inch in length.

Thanks, and I will post a picture this weekend

[pledosophy]

The feeding to much is usually not a concern with adult seahorses. With fry it is possible. there have been reports of fry pooping out live bbs.

Zoastrea is the scientific name for pygmy's. They are probably from OR, they like to use those cute little names.

[alien9168]

I feed my horses mysis once a day, after i eat dinner. They are doing well.

-alien

[jojon60]

Jordon,
I use a deep shell that I glued to a piece of coral. The coral is stuck in the sand so the shell sits about 2 inches off the bottom. This keeps the snails from getting in to quick. I have a couple of hitches close to the edge of the shell so they can be comfortable when they eat.
I cut a piece of clear plastic tubing thats used for the uplift on a underground filter, The larger tube not the hard airline (any fish store should have it) so I can stick it into the shell and have about 6 inches above the water.
After I inrich the mysis I rinse it in a net and sling it dry then put in a small cup. At the tank I use my baster to put a little salt water from the tank in to the cup so I can suck up the mysis into the baster. Holding the tube steady with my left hand I use my right hand and gently tap on the tube with the baster as I slowly squirt the mysis into it. The noise makes them look towards the tube, because the mysis sinks slowly the seahorses see it and come running.
I leave it in the dish for about 30 mins. If they haven't finished it and have left the feeding station I suck up the left overs from the dish.
Hope that makes since.

[Jordan55]

Hey.

I made a feeding dish out of a clam shell. Seems to hold, but the female (more active at feeding time) didn't seem to enjoy it. I don't know if she cant see the food in it, but when I squirt it in, she looks around and ignores it. Then I suck it up and swirt it in front of her and she eats. I am still trying at each feed.... so I WILL NOT GIVE UP!

Anyways, today I came home to babies. I saw about 10 or so floating near the top. It's so sad. I have not had the time and money to set up a tank for them let alone the food they need.

I figure within the next month or so I will do a bit more research and whatnot and hopefully be ready to raise them by June or so.