Noob Doing Research on SH

[tapiana]

Hello There -

Currently cycling an extra 5g tank for SW. Thinking of a SH - been poking around the web and doing some research and thought I would also ask for input here.

The tank is 5g Hex and 20" tall. I know it is too small for most SH - but I have heard conflicting reports on Dwarfs and Zulu Lulu's so I am getting as much info as possible before I make a decision.

I would like a pair (to keep them happy), but it would be same sex.

Water temp - not an issue currently running the tank around 73.

So - thoughts, suggestions - I am open to ALL input.

Thanks for the help.

 

[ann83]

water temp would still be too high for H. capensis (zulus) and a 5 gallon tank would also be too small.

H. zosterae (dwarves) would be okay in a 5 gallon, but they do have special needs (daily hatching of bbs, no fishy tankmates, dangers in LR, etc.) that you will need to research thoroughly before going through with it. There are some threads on dwarves here, and also in the dwarf seahorse forum on seahorse.org; and there is a good book on them by Alisa Abbott (and an article by her in the seahorse.org library).

 

[tapiana]

I was also recomended Dwarves from another forum. I will research them further to see if they would be the right fit for me.

Please do not stop the advice - and thank you for the help

 

[ReefNutPA]

As usual, Ann has given great advise. Capensis (aka ZuLu's) require chilled water and a larger tank than your 5 gallon. I've kept them in the past, very nice horses, smaller than Erectus, Reidi, Kuda. They are bottom-dwelling seahorses for the most part, so length of the tank is just as important as height. A 20gal long would work nicely for caps - provided you purchase an appropriate size chiller to keep the water 65F-68F.

I've kept dwarfs for a little of four years now. They can be challenging until you get a routine down on the bbs hatching, water changes, water testing, etc. Being such a small tank - bad things can happen quickly. The most common issues with dwarfs are algae issues within in the tank due to 2 or 3 times a day feedings combined with small water volume and relatively low flow. Perfect conditions for hair algae and other to flourish.

Continue with your research, and we'll all be here to help and offer opinions when you are closer to deciding how you want to procede and with what species.

If a larger tank is an option, there are numerous directions you could go. Perhaps a 20 or 29 gal 'softie' tank with a pair of seahorses.

Tom

 

[HappySkittles]

im planning on getting dwarf sh
i couldnt have a big tank (already have a 55 gallon freshwater) so i did a little 3 gallon...still cycling though

they do seem like a lot of work from what i've read but i have LOTS of time on my hands XD and i've always wanted seahorse...just never went and actually made the full blown effort

i used dead rock and dead sand because live rock and live sand might have crazy things in it that will kill the little sh