40 Breeders stacked with 20L sump need help

Discussion in 'Say Hello!' started by MILLERTIME, Aug 7, 2015.

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  1. Droopster

    Droopster Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2010
    Messages:
    157
    Location:
    Greencastle, PA
    Looks pretty awesome. Looks like your planning a "Bean" ish type of overflow? Seems to me like the worst case scenario is the siphon goes out of sync on either the display or the fuge, and you get a little gurgling while its dialing itself in. Step Ladder added to the tank maintenance list yet? :lol:
     
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  3. rayjay

    rayjay Gigas Clam

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2004
    Messages:
    886
    Location:
    London, ON, Canada
    I'm more concerned about this set up with regards to seahorse needs.
    While seahorses have survived in a myriad of conditions in aquaria, the BEST chances of success come with species only tanks with conditions suited to their captive needs. (not the conditions they would come from in the ocean)
    By having this seahorse tank connected to a tank that other fish are going to be in, that have different needs than the seahorses will be needing, you could expose the seahorses to pathogens they haven't grown up with and can succumb to. Also, most salt water tanks run above the recommended temperature range that is best for seahorses in captivity, 68° to 74°F.
    The reason for the temperature range is to help bacteria control because seahorses are so prone to bacteria infections that can lead to their demise.
    IMO, seahorse tank water needs to be kept CLEANER than any reef tank because while your test kits can tell you all the normally tested parameters are OK, the water quality degrades over time so that the bacteria can get out of hand, especially in water above 74°F. Also, deteriorating water conditions lead to gas bubble diseases (internal and external) and possible organ failure due to chemical imbalance in the seahorses.
    Because there are no test kits that can tell you that this water quality is deteriorating, preventative measures are the best way to try to control it.
    As for skimmers, the best skimmer for seahorse tanks will be rated probably 4X or more the system volume to aid in the water quality conditions.
    A much larger sump will also help.
     
    Swisswiss and Vinnyboombatz like this.
  4. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    Oct 24, 2010
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    Thanks Ray. I was hoping you would drop by.lol