seahorse suggestions?

[snowlancer2720]

Hey, i guess you could say im a newbie, ive been on N-R.com for a while now, i have a 36, a 10, and a 2.5...all reefs...at home... i just wanted to say hi..so HI!

anyway, my question is... im starting a 20g hex seahorse tank. I was going to go with H. Reidi, but it seems like they are difficult for someone who is just starting out with them. Does anyone have any suggestions when it comes to what species? Thanks in advance!

 

[Fishfreak218]

H. Erectus!

 

[snowlancer2720]

thanks fishfreak, that was my next choice

 

[luvabunny]

If you're just starting a tank, why don't you go with something bigger? Most full sized horses require at least a 29 gallon tank for 1 pair, and trust me, once you get one pair, you'll want more.
A 20 gallon will be the bare bones minimum, and you will probably have problems with water quality. Horses are messy!

 

[snowlancer2720]

^^^i was thinking that, but i figured to combat that, i would have a bunch of hermits...would that help at all?

 

[ReefNutPA]

Hello to you, as well!

IMO, I don't believe Reidi are more difficult to care for except in terms of their breeding/raising of their fry. If breeding is something you'd like to try in the near future...definitely Erectus!

Tom

 

[Iam]

I agree..go with a bigger tank... I started with 15g for 3 seahorses...in no time..I got 5 more...(they will make you fall in love with them) and you'll see their courtship dance...up and down... When they start swimming up and down you will say 'damn, I wish they had a bigger ..taller...space to do that.'
I was lucky I had another empty 30g waiting... I transferred them in no time...

Erectus is the strongest and cheapest..
And if you get a chance check with your LFS and try to get tank raised ones, instead of captive ones... They are more likely to eat frozen brian shrimp..
Good luck.

 

[Nano-Nag]

...I think Iam means captive bred, instead of tank raised!

 

[snowlancer2720]

Thanks everyone! Tom, i think i migh want to try breeding, but not just yet, im just coming into seahorses...give it a week...haha. Iam, i think that i will go with erectus, they sound fairly hardy, as i am just beginning with them. Thanks again!

 

[ReefNutPA]

Yes, Erectus are hardy and a good choice.... for both breeding when you're ready and to learn the fundamentals of being a seahorse keeper. I'll warn you though.... as Iam said... they can become addictive Of course, make sure you purchase captive bred Erectus that are eating frozen mysis.

If you need any help/opinions... feel free to post. That's what we're here for! Best of luck!

Tom

 

[hmott]

In my experience erectus are less active then reidi. It could just be me or my setup or who knows what. But my reidi seem to be much more active than my erectus have ever been. For that reason I like reidi better.

 

[Fishfreak218]

i also have heard that.. ^^ which is why ill probably end up with Kuda

 

[LisaD]

kuda, erectus, reidi are all "easy" to keep, if you start with healthy, captive bred stock. as others have said, it's in raising the fry that the differences come in. I would shop around, and recommend you buy direct from a reputable breeder that has received good feedback on this or other sites. seahorses in the LFS have too many opportunities to be exposed to disease, incompatible tankmates, improper food and other stressors. so unless you have a really great LFS, buy direct from a good breeder.