After all my reading and researching is done i want to attempt a seahorse tank sometime around christmas (when we get settled into new house). I want to get some H. Erectus as seahorse.org says that they are hardier than most other species.

 

Im looking for ideas/help with equipment selection...

I want the tank to be taller than standard sizes, and im thinking 40-50ish gallon column/hex preferable already drilled with overflows.

 

I would like to have a sump with a large refugium area for pod growth and also a place to have a heater, skimmer, and UV.

 

As seahorses dont like high intensity lighting im looking for input on what the min lighting i would need to keep basic softies and macros alive. I plan on having some sort of macros for hitching posts, possibly turtlegrass or some slower growing calurpa? Also plan on having some bright vibrant color corals to hopefully keep the seahorses full of nice color, probably lots of mushrooms, and xenia, some leathers, and maybe some acans (lighting permitting).

 

I would like to keep the rockwork to a minimum to allow more room in the sandbed for grasses and hitching posts. Maybe use more branch type LR??

 

Im really looking for some good input so i can setup a really good tank for them to thrive in. Personal experiences keeping seahorses would be great to hear..