Hint #2 - Lots of Color

[Aaron]

You want nice looking seahorses?? Have lots of color in your tank.

Seahorses change their color based on their environment. In a dull tank, they are not nearly as vibrant as a tank with lots of blues and reds.

Mushrooms are a great source of color, as are plastic plants. (I hate plastic).

Dark bottoms show off seahorses better also.

Good Horsing:blob:

[Ocean Images]

Aaron, I just can't bring myself to putting "plastic" plants into my seahorse tank. I went as far as buying one (that was bad enough) I hope nobody recognized me:pimp:, it was bad enough I even went into a LFS, I don't even remember the last time I paid retail prices for any aquarium supplies.
:dance:
Anyway, my horses look great, my male is gleaming with yellow colours :D

[ajx22]

Bill...

This is when you would want to introduce some nice Walt Smith Yellow Porites and Yellow Tonga Leathers to your tank. :naughty:

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/DSCN0820.JPG

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/DSCN0878.JPG


Glad to hear that the 'ponies' are doing well!! I have to call Aaron to get a few for myself very soon too. :D

Cheers all, :thumbsup:

[Aaron]

Two things to keep in mind when adding coral:
1) the horses are going to hitch to it so make sure it does not mind being touched. Get coral that won't close up.
2) make sure the coral does not sting the seahorses that are hitching too it.
Both of Andrews suggestions are good choices.
Good Horsing
Aaron:blob:

[afss]

What type of corals will sting them? I used to think mushrooms wouldn't/couldn't sting anything until recently one had a battle with a piece of sps and won.

Scott

[Bri-Fli]

My LFS got some Brazilian seahorses in on Thursday
for sale at $112.00. They put them in the tank that had
a purple anemone in it.
They male horse was stung to death shortly after.

In the wild these s/horses live in the seagrass area and not with the corals. Fake coral is the only way to be sure

Brian

[Aaron]

I agree with Brian, but still do add coral to number of tanks. For the most part polyps are ok, and generally mushrooms are as well. Be careful with softies because of the toxins they release. Gorgonians are good, and porities can do well. I also add brains but be careful of species that develp long travelling tentacles when the lights are off. The best is a tank with nice Macro Algaes, and some gorgonians, you can also by those fake corals, but I find they tend to cover with unwanted algae ect. If there is anything else I can do fire away.
Aaron

[Elaine]

Hi, Are my Zoo's ok with the horses. When you were here, I know you saw them but now with the reading I have been doing, I would like an experienced yes or no...None have really stayed near, even the big piece with the different xenia's on it..Just checking as usual. I did lose one horse to that larger pest anemonie you saw. Have just sent you mails about that question./
Elaine

[Aaron]

Elaine,
Although most Zoo's don't sting, they can release serious toxins in the water. Some Polps ie buttons are very toxin to seahorses. Star polyps are generally fine, as are most mushrooms. You really need to lose those aptisia anemone's they are seahorse killers.
Good luck
Aaron

[Elaine]

I have been injecting them but keep finding very small ones. The Peppermint shrimp must be on a diet!
Elaine

[mibaro]

Hi. I am in the process of reading up a lot on seahorses since I want to keep a pair. I was wondering :
1) Would a big colt coral be okay with seahorses? I figure they can latch onto it, and I don't think it stings.

2) What tank would be better...a 65 galloon long tank (36X20X18) , or a 20 galloon tall octagonal tank? I know seahorses like going up and down, but don't want to put them in too small a tank.

Michael

[Aaron]

Both those tanks would be fine, but remember higher is always better than longer. Seahorses can be harder to feed in large tanks as they don't get to the food in time. As for the colt, I would honestly pass. Stick to Gorgonians, they do well. Any soft coral can release toxins. The seahorses would hitch to the colt and annoy it to hell, thus causing it to release toxins in the water. It can be done, but I would pass.
Aaron

[bertcmg]

I have seen a bottled product claiming to eliminate Anemones while not harming any other corals at BigAls ( we have one in Montreal now )

Have't tried the product myself but maybe you should check it out

[afss]

Bert
what is the name of the product?

thanks
Scott

[ajx22]

Originally posted by afss
Bert
what is the name of the product?

thanks
Scott


From Big Als website:



CHEM-MARIN STOP AIPTASIA 6OZ -

PUT A STOP TO THOSE PESKY BROWN ANEMONES BEFORE THEY PUT A STOP TO THE CORALS IN YOUR REEF TANK. INJECT ANEMONES WITH AN 18 GUAGE SYRINGE (NOT INCLUDED) IN THE CENTER DISK AND AT THE BASE. STOP AIPTASIA IMMEDIATELY TAKES EFFECT. THEY WILL TURN DARK IN COLOR AND IN 12 TO 24 HOURS FALL OFF THE ROCKS TO BE SIPHONED OUT OF THE AQUARIUM. THIS PRODUCT IS COMPLETELY SAFE FOR REEF TANKS AND WILL NOT HARM CORALS, FISH, OR INVERTS.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/product_images/ASWO14994a.gif

Price: $25.99
ASWO#14994
STATUS: In Stock




I haven't used it - just searched and found it.

Sounds like a bottle of White Vinegar to me. :D

[TJ_Burton]

I am starting a horse tank! I have a 20xh (20x10x24) and have just got it running (no rock yet) this afternoon.
I am going to put leathers and some polyps/mushies for corals and probably Macro's/Caulerpa...

I think this thread is quite inspiering!
Any comments ond Fish w/ Horses?

[TJ_Burton]

Quick pick of tank

[Michael_Lambert]

TJ...

So you have deicded not to sell the tank :)

Looking good.. kinda soon to put the corals in .. I would atleast wait till it clears up!

[ajx22]

Originally posted by TJ_Burton
Any comments on Fish w/ Horses?

Most fish will compete with the horses for food - and due to the horses being SLOW - they loose the competition.

I'm sure that Aaron will/does have more input into this!

Cheers,

[Aaron]

If you are going to take the time to inject them, boiling hot water, or Kalkwasser work and are much cheaper.
Aaron

[Michael_Lambert]

Aaron,
What about the other fish with the Seahorse?

[rottn]

TJ - check this thread for a "SH compatible tankmates" document...

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2712

HTH :)

[Aaron]

Scooter Blennies,
Mandarins,
Pipefish,
Firefish, and all other slow moving timid fish work well.
For all interested PIPEFISH due in this week.
Thanks
Aaron

[TJ_Burton]

Toooloud you goof! I never said anything about putting corals in yet lol~!!!~:) you just made that up!!!
I used half water from my main tank's last water change and half new water to start off this Horse tank as to jump start its cycle with mature water! although I still need live rock so anyone with good quality live rock for sale PM me and let me know! I am looking for 20pounds for 100$ (5bucks a pound).
:)

[Elaine]

Aaron, any thoughts on the above product, or just inject away.....
Elaine

[Aaron]

I have never used it so I can't say, but it has to be more expnesive than injecting them with boiling hot water, and I know that works just fine.
Aaron