how to set up a seahorse tank

[rknapp]

i was also interested in setting up a seahorse tank i am fairly new to salt water set ups. I know seahorses are very tough to keep but i was wondering what is the best tank to use, I've heard tall tanks are best but then don't you have lighting issues. any advice on setting up a seahorse tank?

 

[darth tang]

Tall tanks are best, and lighting isn't necesary for horses. Unless you keep some inverts and corals. But I do not recomend mixing the two for beginners.

 

[joshradio]

Simple and easy tanks for horsies are those "desktop" hexagon tall tanks... usually they're about 34.99... it gives good height and relatively low maintenance... plus lloks good on an end table in a living room!

 

[biggredd]

Jumping in here. If you buy a hexagonal tank. Can you get away with just a few basics? Heater, filter, and maybe a small piece of live rock? I was thinking of one for my desk at work if it isn't difficult to maintain.

 

[darth tang]

The smaller the tank, the more maintenance you will be required to physicall do yourself for seahorses. They aren't exactly as hardy as a fish. Nitrates need to be maintained under 20 at the most. I have mine in a 55 with about 50 lbs. of live rock and two hob filters. The smaller the tank, the more difficult it will be to keep them...especfially if you end up with a ten gallon size and are attempting dwarf horses. Then you are talking about culturing live food for them to eat among other things.

 

[rknapp]

are dwarfs harder to keep than regular seahorses and how many seahorses could you put in say a 46 gallon corner tank without over crowding it?I heard they are very picky and hard to feed what do they eat?

 

[aredmon]

Dwarfs are harder to keep. They must have live food so that requires another tank to breed their food in. If you are begining get tank bred seahorses. They eat frozen mysis and are easyer to keep. In my opinion the most difficult part of seahorse keeping is water quality. They need good water quality. And to be fed 2 times a day. If you go on long vacations every year or go on frequent vacations seahorse may no be for you. I would say you could keep about 4 seahorse in a 46gal.

 

[joshradio]

Wow, we did 6 in a 15 gall tall and they were great for about 3 years... must've been beginners luck!

 

[aredmon]

I would almost say 2 just to start. If they live you can get more. If not then you are out 2 or 4 seahorse and not a whole bunch. They do live better in groups though.

 

[ck_503]

www.seahorse.org A great site with lots of guides and instructions for beginners. I highly recommend it to anyone even thinking about raising seahorses.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by Darth Tang
The smaller the tank, the more maintenance you will be required to physicall do yourself for seahorses. They aren't exactly as hardy as a fish. Nitrates need to be maintained under 20 at the most. I have mine in a 55 with about 50 lbs. of live rock and two hob filters. The smaller the tank, the more difficult it will be to keep them...especfially if you end up with a ten gallon size and are attempting dwarf horses. Then you are talking about culturing live food for them to eat among other things.

I agree with Darth. I have 2 h. kuda in a 20 gallon and they produce an enormous amount of waste. I have to do 20 % water changes twice a week to keep the ammonia and nitrates under control.