want to set a medium to large tank

[Architeuthis420]

Hi all

new to this comunity and already liking it, very useful info and friendly folks here :dance:

I am studyng biology and will be getting some money from school to set my own bussiness, and want to get into the seahorse field, breeding them in my home and sell them for ornament.

Would like to know how big is "too big" for me to handle, i just go to school, not working, so i have a lot of time... also would like to see some thread from someone in the forum doing similar stuff? i see lots of guides but not big like for breed and sell, thank you all, greetings from Baja, México. :bounce3:

 

[kw22]

That really depends,I am kind of having trouble understanding your question.You want a seahorse breeding facility?

 

[rayjay]

I'm retired and still it's a lot of work raising seahorses, especially pelagic fry types.
Unless you go into it full time it's not really what I call a money maker, just a way to help defray costs of being in the hobby, and, for the challenge of it.

 

[kw22]

i'm retired and still it's a lot of work raising seahorses, especially pelagic fry types.
Unless you go into it full time it's not really what i call a money maker, just a way to help defray costs of being in the hobby, and, for the challenge of it.

+1

 

[pledosophy]

Have you done market research to see what your market can/is paying for them now?

I would also look into other expenses like permits, shipping costs, and cooling costs for where you live.

Getting started breeding is not to expensive as compared to some other businesses, but it will be some time before you are breeding enough and have a good enough reputation to start making a profit.

Breeding them is not really the hard part. Once you get them to a saleable size, selling them at a profit is the hard part. Factor in your setup costs, daily expenses, and time... it has not been worth it for many and few are able to make it as their sole income.

If you are looking to breed/propagate for money, you might do better with things that cost less to grow and sell for a higher profit. Algaes and many corals can be grown much more quickly and less expensive and will get you a higher profit margin.

JME

 

[kudagirl]

What do you mean by saying you want to breed them and sell for ORNAMENT,I do hope that you don't mean that,other wise I don't think anyone would be will to help you.

 

[rlpardue]

Lol I think he meant for the ornamental fish trade, which is one way of referring to our hobby of keeping live fish that are, in a sense, "ornamental" (as opposed to food fish).

 

[myfavoritereef]

Seahorses are an expert level fish and I would not recommend attempting them unless you have saltwater experience. Plus raising seahorses is a HUGE time commitment. Although it sounds like you have the time, you may not realize how much baby seahorses will completely monopolize your life. Fry need to eat several times per day which means siphoning their droppings several times per day and so on...