Filter for Seahorse Tank

I'm converting my 36 fresh to Seahorse and I was wondering if the filter on it could stay. It is an Emperor 280 with a carbon filter pad and bio wheel. If I changed the filter pads and bio wheel, would it work for saltwater? I don't think it will, but what other filtration would you guys recommend for a Seahorse tank. There will be live rock and lots of Macroalgae. I'm probably not running a skimmer.

 

If anyone has experience with Seahorses, I would appreciate your input on how much filtration you used.

 

I don't know the filter you are using but I'm using an unnamed HOB filter turned down as low as can be, for water movement only. Also, I have a rigid airline for air flow also creating turbulence at the water's surface for gas exchange.
Live rock is my filter, and because of feeding habits of seahorses in that they only eat a portion of what is fed, a skimmer is highly recommended.
I siphon previous feeding remains before each feeding, but there is always some breakdown between siphoning that creates disolved organics that lead to algae problems and skimmers can help remedy that.
I also do more water changes than on my reef tanks.

 

bio wheels and canister filters are not recommended for sw no matter what you house, the hardest part of seahorses is feeding

 

I am using one of these filters from Foster and smith cranked up all the way. Does a great job keeping the top of the tank clear. I use a Maxi Jet 600 for water movement. As I stated in a recent post Seahorses like a little bit of flow, just not as much as you would find in a normal reef. All they need is a location where they can get out of the flow ans lots of places to hitch.

As far as using a skimmer there are some who say it isn't a good idea, and can be the cause of gas bubble disease. It is recommended by some that if you are going to use one to only use it in a sump. So for me this isn't possible as I do not have a sump on my seahorse tank. Another way to handle this is the way way rayjay is with the air bubbling in the tank to help aid in gas exchange.

I also have a rather large cleanup crew in my tank that consists of Blue leg Hermits, a couple of scarlets and whole bunch of snails of all kinds. I also take the time to feed my horses slowly, one or 2 pieces at a time. This way very little of it falls to the bottom and what does is cleaned up in no time.

 

I love cleanup crews, and mine will be maximum. This will greatly help with food collecting on the bottom. Small hermits, shrimp, and snails will compose it.

 

Just make sure you stick with small Hermits and snails. most other crabs and larger hermit crabs are not seahorse safe. I tell everyone that want to listen to check out Seahorse Organisation. Keeping and Breeding Seahorses in the home aquarium. there is a wealth of info there. There is a tank mate guide on that site that is one of the most complete I have ever seen. You have to join to see some of the site but its free. Have fun and enjoy them, I do thats for sure, post pictures, lots of them!

 

I don't know anything about seahourses but I have a Emperor 400 from my old fw tank on my 55 gallon it it works great. I also have a Remora skimmer--