Sea Horses - Anybody have them?

[NeedBiggerTank]

So its getting close to Christmas, and we need another tank like a hole in the head... but you just gotta love the sales and deals going on this time of year. Anyway, didn't know if any of the MTRC members kept Sea Horses. I don't ever see anyone talking about them, but figure someone out there must have some and be able to tell me the pros/cons about them.

And before someone jumps the gun, I am NOT talking about adding a Sea Horse to our 90 - I'm talking about setting up a nano or small aquarium with just a Sea Horse or maybe a pair.

Am I crazy? Talk me out of it.. I dare you.

 

[poolkeeper1]

Zef has S/H tank, you may ask him about them FYI
Bill

 

[Pickupman66]

Jennie, I kept the YEARS ago. My knowledge then is most likely irrelevant now. maybe with the exception of they dont like a lot of current and need realy good water conditions.

 

[nightfire]

Lindsey is right then need low flow and you also need places for them to hook onto.....with low flow...very low ya know you can over feed....algaes can become an issue so ya need to run a very good skimmer....file fish can be kept with them....having one or 2 wont be a problem though and now a days it is a lot simpler to keep them then years past....having sea horses are a whole different animal compaired to a reef or FOWLR tanks but can be done

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Didn't know Zef had Sea Horses. Cool - maybe I can pick his brain if we have a meeting in December. And Lindsey, I would never think your experience would be irrelevant! No matter how long it has been.

I know they need high water quality, low flow and things to hold on to... But do they require live food only? Or do the tank raised varieties eat frozen? How difficult to maintain/feed etc. compaired to other delicate marine fishes? Is it better to get really good at keeping other types of fish before attempting seahorses?

Do you need to cycle the tank longer and establish pods, etc. before adding the Sea Horses?

Don't Filefish eat stoney coral polyps exclusively? Do they have tank raised varieties now that eat other things? Interesting... they are beautiful fish.

 

[SaylorsReef]

But do they require live food only?

It depends on the species.

Or do the tank raised varieties eat frozen?

Again, it depends on the species. I would look for Captive Bred, not Tank Raised.

How difficult to maintain/feed etc. compaired to other delicate marine fishes?

They need to eat more often. You will also need to be familiar with some of the common disease/illness of seahorses.

Is it better to get really good at keeping other types of fish before attempting seahorses?

I would not recommend seahorses as a beginner fish.

Do you need to cycle the tank longer and establish pods, etc. before adding the Sea Horses?

Pods will help, but seahorses eat a lot, they will quickly depleat a good pod population.

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Well, I don't consider myself a beginner (as I've kept fish for 30 years or so), however, I only have a year of experience with salt water. So, I suppose if that doesn't give me the required expertise, then I need to nip this idea in the bud now!

 

[Jennifier615]

Zef keeps them and also there is a good source of information at The Coral Reef in Knoxville. Go to east tennessee's reef forum and speak to EvilMel as well......she is great and is awesome to go and visit.

 

[SaylorsReef]

Well, I don't consider myself a beginner (as I've kept fish for 30 years or so), however, I only have a year of experience with salt water. So, I suppose if that doesn't give me the required expertise, then I need to nip this idea in the bud now!

I wouldn't consider you a beginner either.

There is also a seahorse forum here on RC. If you haven't visited it, you may want to go there and start reading up.

 

[zef004]

Saylorsreef Gave you good info. Flow is not that big deal. You just need a a spot with low flow. My ponies love to be pushed from one side of the tank to the other. It's like they are playing. The main thing is. Need to feed everyday and the most import thing is water need to be 70-75 I keep my pony tank at 71.5-73 runing with a mp10 and MJ1200 for the return in a 24nano.amd use led for lighting help keep the temp down. I have 2 kelloggi seahorse. Have you picked a type of seahorse you like to get.
If you need more info pm

Also like to add when you are looking for a seahorse. Try to find a breeder. You don't want on from the ocean or tank raised with tank raised ponies they still use water from the ocean.

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

I'll definately take a look at the Seahorse forum on RC.

Zef - I haven't picked a specific type of seahorse yet. Looking at erectus, reidi and kuda. Definately would want a pair. Are there breeders in Tennessee? Does Sustainable Aquatics have seahorses?