Starting a seahorse tank

[rubberguard]

I plan on using the new JBJ 12 as a seahorse tank. I already have some halimeda growing strong, but was looking for other macro for them to use for latching. I was also wondering if I can use olf gorgonian skeletons tied to a rock under the substrate as well. Thanks.

 

[rayjay]

The tank is a little large for dwarf seahorses but much too small for normal seahorses.

 

[namxas]

not a very good plan unless you plan on keeping zots. even then, unless you have modded the tank, i can tell you that it will run way too warm for even tropical species SH, and that it's way too small for any species except zots. just so ya know, a NC "12" only holds between 8 and 9 gals of water (i know this, as i have one that i keep barnacle blennies in).

even the NC 24's are really too small, and again, require modding in terms of temp and flow (i also have one of these, but not for SH).

your best bet would be to invest in a std. 29 gal and go from there with SH keeping in mind.

 

[rubberguard]

Is the ocean too big for the dwarf seahorses?

 

[rayjay]

Not when they have a never ending natural food source passing them by while they sit on their hitches.
Greg says that tank only holds about 8 or 9g so that is more reasonable for dwarfs than if it was the full 12g available to them.
I've never kept dwarf seahorses myself, but being told they need continual feedings of live brine shrimp I don't think I could handle that full time.
At least with raising Reidi fry, the BBS is only temporary until I get them on frozen.
I do like watching a lot of small horses in a container though.

 

[Elysia]

Rubber -- our tanks are not the ocean; the two can not be compared.

 

[namxas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15547068#post15547068 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rubberguard
Is the ocean too big for the dwarf seahorses?

perhaps this comment wasn't directed at me, but i see nowhere in your original post where you mention keeping zots...if that is your intention, you should specify this, as their care requirements differ from larger species SH.

as Elysia said, an 8 gal box of water is NOT going to have the same conditions as the ocean, so we do what we can to make the best trade-offs that we can.

 

[fishguy2727]

How exactly is the tank too BIG? What problems are caused by a tank being larger?