Seahorse tank...

[Ohiomom]

Anyone have one..tips and tricks..the reading I have done makes it sound so easy and if there is anything I have learned is that reading doesn't always compare to experience..

 

[axia55]

I don't have one myself, but I have always wanted to try. Keep us updated on the progress!

 

[aznnutty]

i was told that they are hard to keep because of their feeding habits. must be fed by hand and picky eaters

 

[AD87]

They are not as hard as everyone thinks. I have learned how to ween them off live food to frozen. They do not make a good reef tank additon, more of a species only tank. Alot of hitching post and low water movement. You want to go with a taller tank if possible I really love my 30 tall for this. Also if your going to purchase some I would buy tank bred not much more and usually already eating frozen food.

 

[Ohiomom]

hmm granted I have only just started reading, but there are some types that are supposed to be much easier..especially captive bred..

 

[Ohiomom]

they would be the only thing in the tank..if I go that way..

 

[AD87]

Yeah I really think they are easier than coral. I would buy some Brazilan Redi they are very pretty yellow and orange. I would do a mini coral tank you just cant put any stinging corals and some some seahorses dont take well to high water temps.

 

[Ohiomom]

Those look nice..time to gather info..

 

[AD87]

Also money those are very pricey at least for me.


http://www.seahorse.org/ very good website. I would start there.

http://seahorse.com/ more good info and some for sale, the ones they sell her are bulletproof.

 

[boozerell]

Sorry to tag along, but was wondering about powerheads? Ohiomom, what are you going to do to keep a low flow in the tank. I'm using a 30 gallon, with 2 powerheads, and was going to use a spray bar, but wasn't sure. No seahorses yet, just getting ready.

 

[Ohiomom]

The first link is what I read that got me thinking about it..

Wow looking at some of those prices...yep most are beyond what I would be willing to spend, especially for a first go around..

Maybe go on Craigslist for a local breeder..lol

 

[Ohiomom]

No worries about hitching a ride..for me still just kicking around the idea..just got a second tank and was thinking about something different. Spray bar sounds like a good idea but not sure I am doing a sump on this one unless totally a must..

 

[AD87]

You can use a power head it just has to be diffused alot, no direct jet flow... Yeah def start with something easy but you get the idea. Liveaquaria has some that are captive raised for about 30.00 I would start there.

 

[Ohiomom]

http://www.seahorsesource.com/zosterae.html

This site seems to have some really nice choices..

How does it work..what is best, male/female or two females..

 

[AD87]

I would start with H. erecutus I would go male and female.

 

[nanafish]

1+
I have been keeping them for about 2 yrs now. They are not that difficult as you would think. ( I'd rather keep them than balance a checkbook). If you need help-get in touch with me. Wow - and I just got a shipment from Seahorse Source too. Could've combined shipments- to split the shipping. At least when buying from Seahorse Source - you can be guareented of getting healthy stock. And also get what you paid for. They are also gr8 for advice too.
The most important thing- Make sure your tank is CYCLED! !

 

[Ohiomom]

Thanks Nanafish..looks like I may need help and think I am going to try them.

What is preferred, fake or real hitching posts?

Also, if the water occasionaly goes above the 74 degrees..how bad is that or is it more if it is consistently above?

Third..is using just an invert CUC best?

Obviuosly would appreciate anyone chimming in.

 

[AD87]

what is CUC?

You should be fine if it does get over, I have had them spike and hit 78-80 degrees, but they are more prone to illness. I would get a chiller.

I prefer real but thats up to you. You can go fake but it doesn't look natural. I would get some macro algae and get some pods so you have a natural food soruce.

 

[Ohiomom]

clean up crew..

Was hoping to stay away from a chiller, I know nothing about them..

What kinds of macro do you guys like the best?

 

[AD87]

I would go plenty of snails for now.

You can get away without a chiller, depends where the tank is going to be.