Filtration

Seahorse.Lover · 02/03/2016, 02:29 PM

What type of filter do I need for a seahorse aquarium? And along with a filter do I need a powerhead?

Are both needed? Does that account for water flow?

Also what is an air pump? Do I need that?

Jeff4777 · 02/03/2016, 06:23 PM

Any filter could work. Just make sure its over powered as seahorses sure can dirty up a tank. If your horses are small make sure the intakes are wrapped/safe. I use a power head + flow from filtration system. You don't need a air pump in a typical setup as your skimmer should be oxygenating the water fine.

How big is your tank?
Do you have a sump or only wanting hang on the back equipment?
What type of sea horse do you want?
Have you had a salt water tank before?

Seahorse.Lover · 02/03/2016, 07:19 PM

I have never had one before. Always wanted one.. have researched lots. The whole filtration and water flow is what confuses me. I think I want hang on the back equipment.
I plan on getting a 36 G tank. I just want to know everything I can before starting one. I am looking at either H. erectus or H. reidi.

Jeff4777 · 02/03/2016, 09:27 PM

Nice. Researching is important and take things slow. 36 gallons is a nice size for a pair of horses. Both the erectus and reidi are good choices. Just make sure your filtration and skimmer are strong. Clean media often and do water changes. Maintain 68-75 °F to avoid bacterial infections. Buy captive bred seahorses and feed mysis shrimp. Maintain your salinity by keeping the tank top offed with fresh water.

Seahorse.Lover · 02/04/2016, 07:52 PM

I've been seeing a 47G column tank that is 30"H that many people use for their seahorses. But I cannot find a tank like this anywhere. Any suggestions?

Seahorse.Lover · 02/08/2016, 06:25 PM

Would a Marineland Penguin 200 Bio-Wheel Filter be sufficient for a 38 G tank if I have live rock also? And a protein skimmer

rayjay · 02/08/2016, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahorse.Lover

Would a Marineland Penguin 200 Bio-Wheel Filter be sufficient for a 38 G tank if I have live rock also? And a protein skimmer

I personally don't use any HOB filtration. I prefer filter socks at the sump, and quick filters on my power heads, easy to clean every few days to minimize nasty bacteria expansion.
In any case, the water flow for that filter isn't near enough so you need other sources of water flow internally like power heads or a closed loop system if the tank is drilled. Are you going to have a sump also?
Protein skimmer should be rated for at least 100g for a 38g tank, but more is better.

02/03/2016, 02:29 PM	#1
Seahorse.Lover Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 10	Filtration What type of filter do I need for a seahorse aquarium? And along with a filter do I need a powerhead? Are both needed? Does that account for water flow? Also what is an air pump? Do I need that? Last edited by Seahorse.Lover; 02/03/2016 at 03:07 PM.

02/03/2016, 06:23 PM	#2
Jeff4777 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 518	Any filter could work. Just make sure its over powered as seahorses sure can dirty up a tank. If your horses are small make sure the intakes are wrapped/safe. I use a power head + flow from filtration system. You don't need a air pump in a typical setup as your skimmer should be oxygenating the water fine. How big is your tank? Do you have a sump or only wanting hang on the back equipment? What type of sea horse do you want? Have you had a salt water tank before? Last edited by Jeff4777; 02/03/2016 at 06:29 PM.

02/03/2016, 07:19 PM	#3
Seahorse.Lover Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 10	I have never had one before. Always wanted one.. have researched lots. The whole filtration and water flow is what confuses me. I think I want hang on the back equipment. I plan on getting a 36 G tank. I just want to know everything I can before starting one. I am looking at either H. erectus or H. reidi.

02/03/2016, 09:27 PM	#4
Jeff4777 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 518	Nice. Researching is important and take things slow. 36 gallons is a nice size for a pair of horses. Both the erectus and reidi are good choices. Just make sure your filtration and skimmer are strong. Clean media often and do water changes. Maintain 68-75 °F to avoid bacterial infections. Buy captive bred seahorses and feed mysis shrimp. Maintain your salinity by keeping the tank top offed with fresh water.

02/04/2016, 07:52 PM	#5
Seahorse.Lover Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 10	I've been seeing a 47G column tank that is 30"H that many people use for their seahorses. But I cannot find a tank like this anywhere. Any suggestions?

02/08/2016, 06:25 PM	#6
Seahorse.Lover Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 10	Would a Marineland Penguin 200 Bio-Wheel Filter be sufficient for a 38 G tank if I have live rock also? And a protein skimmer