Seahorses?

[harial]

I was at my LFS when I noticed that they were keeping seahorses in a 12 gallon nano cube. they were maybe 3 or 4 inches(I don't know if that is the adult size or not). I was under the impression that you could not keep seahorses in a nano cube becasue the flow was to heavy. However they seemed perfectly fine and there was lots of macro for them to grab onto.

I was just curious
thanks
Harial

 

[mythrenody]

It maye the adult size. They would be more comfortable in a taller tank

 

[nuhtty]

I agree. Really the only seahorses that would be appropriate for a nanocube would be dwarfs.

 

[viper_930]

Adult size of dwarfs is up to 1.5". There's no seahorses available in this hobby (that I know of) that has an adult size of 3-4". Next up are the capensis, which grow to 5.5".
Dwarfs are not a good choice for a 12g unless you have a dozen or two seahorses together. The tank needs to be flooded with baby brine shrimp at a concentration high enough for each to eat enough, but have enough ponies so there's little extra waste.

 

[harial]

Actually you hit it right on the head. Capensis are the ones that I am looking at for my cube. And you also hit the reason that I am not inclined toward the dwarf seahorse.

 

[viper_930]

Even the capensis are not suitable for a nanocube. The tank's height should be three times the height of the fullgrown seahorse.

 

[harial]

hmmmm maybe I should just do a swarm of dwarfs then. I would have to chang out the pump so the curent would not be so strong though. However I am not very inclined to feed babay brine, so I may not go down this rought either.
Also i was told that the hight restrictions were so that the seahorse would be able to mate properly. I however do not intend to breed my seahorses.

 

[viper_930]

Originally Posted by Harial
Also i was told that the hight restrictions were so that the seahorse would be able to mate properly.
True, true.
Whatever you chose, I wish you luck with your ponies.

 

[celacanthr]

Actually.... the height that you need to breed them is 3x the height. The height you need to keep them is 2-2.5x their height. Also, the capensis would need a chiller, unless you are sure you can provide them with coll temps 24/7/365(6)

 

[harial]

Originally Posted by CELACANTHr
Actually.... the height that you need to breed them is 3x the height.
I do not plan to breed my seahorses
Originally Posted by CELACANTHr
The height you need to keep them is 2-2.5x their height.
Capensis have an average size of about 5 inches which, if I am not mistaken is 10 when doubled. The nano cube has a height of 12 inches which is more than the 2X needed for the horse.
Originally Posted by CELACANTHr
Also, the capensis would need a chiller, unless you are sure you can provide them with coll temps 24/7/365(6)
I had planned to install two ICA Chillers from nanocustoms into the hood.
However I have decided not to do this.