scarf_ace 1981's 15g/20g sump sea horse/pipefish

[prattreef]

Should be ok. Flow is a real issue in these tanks. Seahorses don't like a lot ( though they can handle more than most think), and Gorgs. and such really like a lot to shed algae etc. Finding the right balance is tricky. Waht kind of filtration are you thinking of using? RD

 

[scarf_ace1981]

skimmer wise i can use my remora urchin pro and basically more LR in the sump w/ some cheato. am i missing something? i like my set-ups as simple as possible.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

i know reefoman cultured his own brine. i'll ask him some questions.

 

[prattreef]

Good choice, the only other thing would be carbon. You need to feed a lot, so GAC is very helpful as are regular water changes. RD

 

[prattreef]

If you are not getting the dwarfs, don't worry about the brine. Frozen mysis will do just fine. I recommend Hikari brand for smaller horses and pipes, the PE are quite large. RD

 

[scarf_ace1981]

water changes...water changes. damn straight.

carbon. i don't really like to use carbon in FW or SW set ups because i've heard so much about toxins leeching back into your system. if i use it, how often should i change it?

i guess it's like any other chemical filtration. it needs to be replaced every so often.

 

[prattreef]

Once a monthish. Never had a problem and wouldn't run a tank without it unless you really keep up with the water changes (weekly). If you ran some on your systems, I think you would be surprised how clear they looked. Your water is probably a bit yellowed without you knowing it. RD

 

[scarf_ace1981]

once a month really. that's not bad. does the size really matter? i'm talking about the carbon?LOL

 

[prattreef]

No not really within reason. In your size system, one of those small submersible filters filled with carbon should do the trick. A hot magnum or such works well too, or a phosban reactor with carbon instead of or mixed with Phosban.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

now i have to look for a stand that will accomodate the display and sump and i can begin.

 

[prattreef]

Good luck. RD

 

[scarf_ace1981]

many thanks RD. i hope to make you proud once i'm done

 

[masterswimmer]

I also run carbon 24/7 on my 75.

Randy, I know the 'rules' for pipefish regarding stinging corals. However, I've had great success with mine. I have a 40 head torch, 12" skeleton wall hammer (opens up to about 16"), two different frogspawns, brains (multiple types), hydnophora, etc. Am I playing with fire? Is there going to be an inevitable 'confrontation'? There is also TONS of caves and crevices without any stinging inverts.

Like I said, I know the rules, but so far, so good.

swimmer

 

[prattreef]

Russ,
I think those rules generally apply more to seahorses than pipefish which are far more agile and bold. The problems occur when the horses touch down in the wrong place. The larger pipes like the ones you keep can actually do quite well in a full blown reef system without the presence of uber aggressive species. Keep doing what you've been doing. RD

 

[prattreef]

Scarf,

I'm already proud that you are asking the right questions and listening to the answers Randy

 

[masterswimmer]

Russ,
I think those rules generally apply more to seahorses than pipefish which are far more agile and bold. The problems occur when the horses touch down in the wrong place. The larger pipes like the ones you keep can actually do quite well in a full blown reef system without the presence of uber aggressive species. Keep doing what you've been doing. RD

:hug: Thanx bro.
I follow what you mean about the pipes compared to the ponies. Definitely more agile.

Damn, it feels good when you offer the :thumbsup:

Scarf, 100% agreement with Randy. You're asking all the right questions and taking your time. Very nice to see. Keep it up.

R

 

[scarf_ace1981]

i would like to use the sump as the display and the display as the sump. anyone know if the baffles on the oceanic sump can me removed intact?

 

[scarf_ace1981]

randy i checked out inland aquatics. too bad it's not in NY. the facility looks cool. $129 for procerus, wow. i didn't know they were that expensive. you know anyone here in the city worth contacting?

 

[Quang]

This set-up is going to badass once it gets up and running...keep us visually (pics!!!) posted.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

why didn't i think about this before. why not use my 30xh for a sea horse tank? allows for more flexibility. all i would have to do is take the rbta and clowns,frogspawn and little frag of candy cane out and move them to the 15g i planned for the seahorse originally. the only other corals in there are zoos. i may be able to set this sea horse tank earlier than possible.