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Hello there! Currently I\’ve got a 16 gallon bowfront tank that is cycling for some H. Capensis (zulu-lulu\’s). Before I get to my question here are the quick specs on the tank. As mentioned 16 gallon bowfront, not including substrate, still gives me close to 16 inches vertical. Emperor 400 bio filter (additional filter cartridges containing chemi-pure), nano protein skimmer (this pint-sized skimmer has got some muscle for this sized tank) + a couple of softball sized pieces of live rock on each side of a large piece of replica cat-paw coral. It\’s quite nice to the eyes if I don\’t say so myself! Now, I wasn\’t going keep Zulu\’s if I was not able to get the temp around the 70 range. It turned out setting my heater at 68 kept the temps down with no problem (that is with lights on all day and off all night). Now I\’m hearing through the gravevine that the H. Capensis are thriving (even with brighter colors) in higher temps. This is making me think I could/should go with a temp. of 73. I would just like to hear some testimonials of Zulu keepers so I can get an idea of these little fella\’s comfort and tolerance level. Thanks!! Bryan (washington state)
Dear Bryan:
I’m impressed with your proposed setup for your Zulu-lulus (Hippocampus capensis), sir! With the efficient filtration provided by your Emperor 400 and nano protein skimmer and the cool water temperatures you are achieving, Zulu should thrive in such a setup.
In my experience, Zulu-lulus (Ocean Rider’s strain of captive-bred-and-raised H. capensis) do well at temperatures in the 72°F-75°F range. As long as you avoid temperature spikes above 75°F, it isn’t really necessary to maintain water temperatures in the sub-70°F range as you would for wild H. capensis. Set your water temperature to hold at 72°F and the domesticated Zulu-lulus should thrive. That’s an excellent compromise temperature for them — cool enough to keep them comfortable and avoid any problems with heat stress, yet warm enough to bring out their best colors and increased activity levels. So I would strive for stable temperatures around 72°F.
If you search the discussions on this forum for the key words "Hippocampus capensis," you will find a lot of additional information on the care and keeping of Zulu-lulus that you should find interesting.
Best of luck with your new Zulu-lulus tank, Bryan!
Happy Trails!
Pete Giwojna
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