rip_van_winkle

Hello,
I am looking to start into saltwater tanks, but with pgymy seahorses. supposedly you can't use live rock with them because the rock can carry things that can kill them. soooo, it looks like i'm going to need a protein skimmer. I have a 6 gallon tank, and not a whole lot of money, so could someone recommend an effective, small, cheap skimmer? Thanks

--Also, what do powerheads do? And do I really need one in a 5gal with seahorses?
thanks everybody!

--As I have been busy google-ing, do I need a sump pump in it to? thanks again!

rip_van_winkle

just saw this little one on drsfoster and smith.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=14676

has anybody heard any bad/good stuff about it?

Mike

I've used it and reviewed it here: Fission Nano Protein Skimmer. I wouldn't waste the $30 or so dollars on this piece of equipment.

rip_van_winkle

oh thanks, i had no idea it was so bad. guess i won't be getting that one. are protein skimmers essential?

Peterpiper

Hi Rip,
By pgymy I take it you mean Dwarf Seahorses
1, Live Rock in a Dwarf tank should not be used due to the size of the SH and the hitch hikers on the LR. You can still have rock in the tank and seed it with live bacteria and cycle with Ammonia. you can even add coraline algae to the rock after cycling.The biggest danger to Dwarfs comes from hydroids.
2, On the protein skimmer, look for the type used on nano reef tanks, you get what you pay for, rings very true.
3, Get a UVS, It is a must have item! for a 6g , get the smallest one.. think its 5 watt.
4, Power head, don't need one for this size tank, you will have enough flow from the filter and skimmer.
5, " Do I need a sump pump in it to " you only need a sump pump if you have a sump.
What are you going to feed them? if you are getting WC, you will need to feed them on live till you can train them to eat frozen. If you can get CB all the better

rip_van_winkle

yup dwarf seahorses same thing.
thanks alot, I was planing to get CB seahorses, i am pretty sure you can just have them ordered.
and UVS stands for...?
just curious, have you kept dwarf seahorses before?
thank you so much
-rip