Few questions regarding setting up.

[Mugster]

Aaron, I have started setting up a 40 gal tall to house the seahorses as we spoke about before. My questions are as follows:

1. With the SG being much lower than in a reef tank, does the tank need to be cycled in the same way? I filled the tank with water from both of my other tanks and some fresh RO water. I also added about 3 cups of fine crushed coral from the other tanks, hopefully adding some pods and bacteria. I tossed in a frozen shrimp which is now decaying (quite fuzzy in fact).

2. Is biological filtration required? I'm using an Eclispe top. Should I use the biowheel or leave it out?

3. Is the use of LR recommended? On the seahorse website it states that LR should not be used as it may introduce bacteria harmful to the SH.

The tank has been cycling for about a week now so hopefully I can add some LR and a pair of SHs soon.

TIA,
Kev

[Aaron]

Kevin,
Basically your setup is no different than a reef tank, except for two things. You will want a lower water flow, and lower lighting. Seahorses are not fond of current or strong light. Your specific gravity can be lower, and by this I mean way lower, with no harm at all. It depends on the coral you may want to add as to specific gravity. Put 10 seahorse people in a room, and 5 will say yes to liverock, and 5 no. I am totally in favor of using cured liverock. You know that it has been in your tank for awhile and it makes a great filter. Leave the biowheel on your tank, biological filtration is very very good. Other than that it sounds like you are in business, and ready to roll.
Thanks for the question, I have been getting lonely!
Aaron:blob: :blob2: :blob: