Lighting for Seahorse tank?

[mattyb327]

I'm starting a seahorse tank it's going to be a 37 gallon tall tank and was wondering what type of lighting to use. I know this seems to be a mythical question but i'm trying to balance some seahorses with a few soft corals. so any input on one the other or both would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks, mattyb327

[krazeekiddie]

Seahorses have no lighting requirements! Sooooooo, you could go with PC, I would be wary of MH, I think that would be to much for them! =) Good luck!

[mattyb327]

Thanks, thought of MH but the heat would probably be too much, since i don't think the temp in tank is supposed to be over 74Degrees..

[krazeekiddie]

Yup yup! Plus, I really think they would get sunburn to be honest! =)

We don't have any soft corals in our SH set-ups, sooooo we use strip lights from Walmart....sshhhhhhh

Good luck with your new set-up!

[mattyb327]

Thanks, I had no idea you could use such low impact lighting? Do you have any live plants in your tank, i understand they have certain types that they like??

[krazeekiddie]

All types of macro/algae grow on lower wave lengths of light! That is why you should change your bulbs every 6 months because as the bulb ages, the wave length lessens & it supposrts algae growth! (that is not the only reason to change your bulbs every 6 months, but one of them)

=) yup yup, you do not even need a light! lol

[mattyb327]

Well thanks, i'm still gathering lots of info, i understand their not difficult but there are some guidelines that you have to follow. The guys at my LFS are always willing to help but i like to round and gather from everywhere!!! Thanks lots!! Matt

[mattyb327]

Anybody know the name of the plants people keep in they're seahorse tanks?? vThink it starts with a c??

[ann83]

lots of different macro algaes: caulerpa sp., codium sp., halymenia, various kelp, sargassum, etc. With higher lighting you could also try vascular plants like seagrasses...

[mattyb327]

so which ones do the horses seem to like the most?? or are any of them good?? Thanks.........

[ann83]

Any of them are fine, several for variety would be great. A bunch of cheato in the display for copepod production is also a good idea.

[mattyb327]

OK, one more ques... The copepods are good for?? Just trying to understand... Thanks, matt

[ann83]

snacks

Take a look around here http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles.shtml and here http://www.syngnathid.org/ubbthreads/showarticles.php

[mattyb327]

cool, thanks very much, i suppose the fish i have no could probably benefit from copepods??

[ann83]

Probably, what fish do you have now?

[mattyb327]

2 tangs a couple of clowns, and three gobys. Oh and a damsel that never died!!

[ann83]

the gobies will definately appreciate copepods.

[mattyb327]

Cool i know they sell it at my LFS so i think i will pick some up this weekend. Thanks so much, matt

[chowz]

This may be a little late but I have had seahorses and soft coral together for about a year my tank is about 20 inches tall I have an orbit marine led light fixture that includes a timer with custom settings I really like the features it has and it has been enough light to grow my corals. This is a good site for lighting info. http://seahorse.com/forum/lights

[vlangel]

Yes, I may be too late as well but I also have a seahorse tank with soft coral and macro algae. I have halimedia, dragons breath, red grape caulerpa, rose petal, and some varieties that I have not Identified. My tank has T5s.

[chowz]

Nice looking tank

[vlangel]

Originally Posted by chowz

Nice looking tank

Thanks!

[pfan151]

Originally Posted by vlangel

Yes, I may be too late as well but I also have a seahorse tank with soft coral and macro algae. I have halimedia, dragons breath, red grape caulerpa, rose petal, and some varieties that I have not Identified. My tank has T5s.

Do you know what that white algae is of the left side of the tank?

[vlangel]

Originally Posted by pfan151

Do you know what that white algae is of the left side of the tank?

If you are referring to the white in the middle left side, that is actually a clove polyp coral that is languishing, ha ha.

[pfan151]

Originally Posted by vlangel

If you are referring to the white in the middle left side, that is actually a clove polyp coral that is languishing, ha ha.

How do your gorgonians do? I've been thinking about picking up a couple but I don't want anything that will take any extra effort beyond what the seahorses require. I bought some expensive fake sponges and fake sps when I set the tank up and they really just look horrible. I do have a nice big grape kelp now that looks nice but the rest of the tank is pretty embarrassing.