Is keeping 3 seahorses in a 30g risky if attached to bigger system?

[vlangel]

Hi all,
So I am thinking ahead to when my baby seahorses mature and I would really like to keep 1 or 2. My seahorse tank is only a 30g XH, but it is connected to a 36g LPS tank and a 10g nursery/QT by a 10g sump all with LR. That means it roughly has 70g of biological filtration plus 2 protein skimmers, a UV and a HOB filter. I don't want to chance putting 3 seahorses in the 30g if it could put all the inhabitants at risk though. What are you all thoughts on it?

 

[FinzAquatics]

I know im gonna catch some grief here but for the last 6 months ive had 6 h.erectus in a 40 gallon along with 2 clowns, 2 dottybacks, and 2 gobies with no real health concerns to my tank. The amount of macro algae that I have keeps the water quality in check..

But then again, this is why im in the process of upgrading and moving all the seahorses out to their own tank.. But thus far it has worked out, definitely not a long term solution for sure.

I do think three would work though.. but you think the third one would feel left out if the other two are paired up?

 

[vlangel]

It would have been nice to keep a pair but I definitely don't want to put 4 seahorses in the 30g tank. I know I don't have an upgrade in my future so this is not a temporary situation. I know other seahorse keepers that have 3 ponies, usually 2 females and 1 male.

 

[JLynn]

If it is hooked up to a larger system like that, I would think that it would be alright, as long as it is only 1 more seahorse than the recommended number...

Do you tend to have trouble with nutrient levels in this system or not? If so, you should stick to two. If not, I don't think that one extra seahorse would be asking too much of the system.

 

[vlangel]

If it is hooked up to a larger system like that, I would think that it would be alright, as long as it is only 1 more seahorse than the recommended number...

Do you tend to have trouble with nutrient levels in this system or not? If so, you should stick to two. If not, I don't think that one extra seahorse would be asking too much of the system.

This system is 2 years old and I never have trouble with nutrients or any parameters. It is very stable and I am very regimented with my water change schedule twice a week.