Horsies in a Reef

[powderblutang]

I was wondering if anyone has ke[t horses in a reef on here, I am thinking about doing this and would like some info on keeping large horses, i have had ponies before, and would like some info on big ones. i am planning on getting the yellows on SWF.com

 

[rykna]

Have you looked through the list of acceptable tank mates? Teresa has the link to the thread.

 

[rykna]

Here's the link

http://www.seahorse.org/library/arti...ankmates.shtml

 

[teresaq]

As long as tank mates, (fish , corals and inverts) are compatable, and the temps stay at or below 77 degrees, and you have plenty of hitches then yes you can keep horses in a reef.
The horses here are young so if it were me, I would be sure to qt them in a bare bottom tank for several weeks to be sure they are eatting good.
Teresa

 

[novahobbies]

Like teresa said, you can do seahorses in a reef, but you have to be uber careful planning it out. LPS corals and anemones can sting badly and kill horses, many reefsafe fish are not seahorse-safe, and invertebrates need to be monitored: some, like red-leg hermits or emerald crabs, can antagonize a seahorse, while others, specifically skunk and peppermint shrimp, will be viewed by the horses as potential food targets.
If you want to display horses in a reef environment, it may be best to start from scratch with a new tank or completely cleaned existing tank. Plan all the other living inhabitants AROUND the horses, and you will be doing well.

 

[powderblutang]

so even peaceful fish can be harmful to large horses, i have a virgate and plan on getting a powder blue tang again, so i guess i can't keep them, my tank is a 90 btw

 

[teresaq]

They are just to fast moving and will out compete the horses for food. You are better off starting a new tank and building it around the horses.
TeresaQ

 

[novahobbies]

Originally Posted by powderblutang
http:///forum/post/2813505
so even peaceful fish can be harmful to large horses, i have a virgate and plan on getting a powder blue tang again, so i guess i can't keep them, my tank is a 90 btw
Don't get discouraged! It just means you get to start a new tank!!

A 90 would be massive for seahorses anyway....you would lose them in all that space! I still think the 45 gallon standard size aquarium is one of the best for most seahorses, but we all have our own ideas. My own horse setup is a 37 gallon tall cube, and people here use many different shapes....bowfronts, corner units....you name it!