Can seahorse be in a (200G) tank with a snowflake eel

[Deleted member 143833]

I have long wanted to have seahorses but do not want to purchase something without a good chance to thrive. I have a well established, 200G tank with fish, coral, rock, etc in which all tank mates get along (e.g., no fighting, peacefull, etc). I suspect most of the tankmates are seahorse-safe but I noticed that eels are on the do-not list and was wondering why? Our eel has been in the tank over 7 years and doesn't bother anyone (we keep him well fed) and i have seen seahorses and eels in the same area of reefs while diving so I am curous what are the issues with keeping these 2 in the same tank (especially in a tank as large as a 200 G tank).

Thanks.
Ken

 

[fishyvet]

No. Seahorses need to be kept no warmer than 74 F to prevent over population of harmful bacteria which cause disease and death. In addition, they need to be target fed at least 3 times daily to thrive, something very difficult in most 200g tanks. Also, the tank would have to be free of ALL stinging coral, anemones, and clams which could harm/kill the horse if it were to brush up against them. Most reef tanks have flow which would be too strong for seahorses. I think its a bad idea to keep seahorses with boisterous tankmates that may harass or stress out the horse. Also, while your eel may not have bothered anyone to date, a seahores makes a very easy target and cannot avoid dangers very well. Seahorses are best suited to dedicated species only systems. Sorry they are such lovely creatures.

 

[ann83]

Re: Can seahorse be in a (200G) tank with a snowflake eel

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10656953#post10656953 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kenargo
i have seen seahorses and eels in the same area of reefs while diving

I am sure you know not to use this argument. It always prompts replies of something along the lines of "Lions and gazelles live in the same area in the wild too, but I wouldn't want to put them in a cage at the zoo together." I will assume you don't need that response though.
Bottom line is, what happens in the wild is just not a good argument for what happens in our aquarium, especially since we want to keep ALL of our fish alive (which isn't really a concern for "the wild"). :rollface:

Also, I second all things that were said by fishyvet, and would like to add that even if your eel decided not to eat the idiot slow moving fish that hitched to its nose, I guarantee you that it will stress the seahorses to disease and death just by having the eel in the same tank with them.

 

[Rays]

All of the above and, seahorses are very slow and methodical swimmers, who take a lifetime deciding on whether they want that frozen mysis or not. While they're thinking about it, everybody else in your tank has already made a decision on whether they want that shrimp or not. Guess what, your seahorse doesn't eat today or any other day. Species specific tank only.