My seahorse oasis: 75 gallon in progress build

[SeahorseKeeper]

Recently, I decided that I wanted to downsize my tanks. Currently, I am running two tanks - my 75 reef and a 40 gallon for the seahorses. I really don't like the depth of the gallon tank since it is a standard 40 and for my reef I had a recent string of bad luck. I lost most of my corals when I lost power for 3.5 days over the summer. I have been battling algae since then and almost thought about giving up on the tank altogether. Then, I took a step back and thought about my tanks. I do not really have the time for two tanks. This is when it came to me. I am passionate about keeping seahorses and planted tanks can look awesome. So, I decided that I would turn my reef into a seahorse oasis. The idea is that I will have a tank stocked with various macros and seahorse friendly corals.

So far, I have rehomed the fish that were not seahorse compatible. My next step is getting a sump setup for the tank. Luckily, I will be getting help from a local reef club member to help me out with this. I am clueless on setting up a sump.

Now, I have to decide what I want to do with my existing rock. There is a good deal of cyano on it. I am debating on "cooking" it or just riding it out. I also plan on moving the tank when I am ready to take the seahorse tank down. This will be when I am ready to setup the sump.

 

[sc8kv123]

I wouldn't bake or boil any live rock, it's very dangerous and can be deadly. There are other, safer ways of doing this but I'm sure someone will chime in soon. Do you mean using vinegar or something similar? Sounds like an exciting build, I can't wait to see it!

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

When I said cook, I meant soak it in bleach and then use a dechlorinator. However, I don't know if I want to do that. There is some pretty good coraline taking foot on the rock. I do not what to lose that. I might do a peroxide dip on some of the rocks.

 

[sc8kv123]

I've read about people using vinegar and peroxide with pretty good results. Most algae problems I just give time and wait it out and that seems to work for me. I have used chemi-clean to deal with minor cyano outbreaks and it has always done a great job.

 

[vlangel]

I am very excited to watch your build. I love macro-seahorse tanks and I think you will be happy with your decision. It was a great relief to me when I went down to just 1 tank, although it was sad saying good-bye to some beloved non-seahorse safe animals. Your new tank will give you room to have multiple pairs of ponies, something that I envy.

What if you just kept the rock in a brute can with circulating salt water in the dark for a few weeks. Especially if you do a water change the cyano will recede, I am pretty sure.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I am very excited to watch your build. I love macro-seahorse tanks and I think you will be happy with your decision. It was a great relief to me when I went down to just 1 tank, although it was sad saying good-bye to some beloved non-seahorse safe animals. Your new tank will give you room to have multiple pairs of ponies, something that I envy.

What if you just kept the rock in a brute can with circulating salt water in the dark for a few weeks. Especially if you do a water change the cyano will recede, I am pretty sure.

You just gave me a great idea!!!! I still have the reef setup so I could go dark for a bit and do small water changes daily to help with the cyano.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Hmm...no pichers...why no pichers...? Want pichers...

 

[SantaMonicaHelp]

Sounds like an exciting new project! Good luck.
Seems like you have a problem with nutrient export. What is your current nutrient export?

~SF

 

[kschweer]

Can't wait to see this come together. Always wanted to do a seahorse tank. Best of luck Krista!

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Sounds like an exciting new project! Good luck.
Seems like you have a problem with nutrient export. What is your current nutrient export?

~SF

Ever since my tank crashed over the summer, I got disheartened with my tank and it went into autopilot. My plan now is to add a sump with a nice refugium and an oversized skimmer.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Pics will come when I have something to take pics of. My overflow box has been ordered!

 

[vlangel]

Any updates Krista? I know it's hard with it being the holiday season and all to accomplish anything on fish tank builds. Mine is also going slower than I thought it would. Today forward progress was made in that my hubby drilled the holes in the living room floor to move the sump in the basement. Also I siliconed some partitions in the sump.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

My overflow box arrived. My biggest issue right now is figuring out whether or not I want to move the tank. I also need to get with a member of my reef club who offered to help with my sump and plumbing. Once I get that done, it will be go time.

 

[vlangel]

My overflow box arrived. My biggest issue right now is figuring out whether or not I want to move the tank. I also need to get with a member of my reef club who offered to help with my sump and plumbing. Once I get that done, it will be go time.

Well that sounds good. I am sure when you are able to get some help with the sump and plumbing it will go fast.

 

[FishRForMe]

I'm doing the same, so I'll be watching your setup! Got my aquarium today... excited....

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I'm doing the same, so I'll be watching your setup! Got my aquarium today... excited....

You might be watching for awhile! I take things very slow apparently!


What are thoughts on replacing my sand bed? I'm thinking about taking it out and replacing it with reef flakes. I'm too indecisive.

 

[vlangel]

I will have to look up reef flakes...I am not familiar with them.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Well, I decided not to move the tank or change the sand. I did add some fish to the tank, including my seahorse. She is much more active in the tank. I will be getting some macroalgae this week as well.