Kevbarnes11
New member
Will seahorses do fine in a 12 gallon nano cube? Will I need to stick with dwarf seahorses? What are my options here?
wanting to start a seahorse tank
- Thread starter Kevbarnes11
- Start date
garvondavis14
New member
dwarves would be pretty tough in a 12 gallon due to their feeding method and you would have to have a ton of them to fill it in. I wouldn't recommend it, usually 5 gallons or less is suitable for dwarves. As for other seahorses, there may be some temperate horses that would do okay in a 12, but I consider that way too small for any of the commonly available ponies. I'll let someone with more experience chime in here 
sloshesv
New member
I would think most of the responses you are going to get say too small for non-dwarf species. I've got 2 kuda in a 20 gallon that seem to be leading happy, fulfilling lives but I've ben told 20 gallon is also cramped. I try to make up for it by providing plenty of mental/emotional stimulation.
garvondavis14
New member
i still wouldn't recommend any larger horses in a 12 gallon...that's just too cramped in my opinion
JustDavidP
New member
A single pair of Reidi in a 12 ViaAqua would work. Those tanks are taller than long. If you didn't use a DSB, there'd be plenty of room. The tank height/water column height is key.
??? 2 Reidi in a 12 gallon ???
Sounds like you're just asking for trouble. You do realize reidi are one of the larger species and can get 12-14" tall, right?
I agree with most of the above posts which say most regularly available seahorses would not do well long term in a tank that size.
Sounds like you're just asking for trouble. You do realize reidi are one of the larger species and can get 12-14" tall, right?
I agree with most of the above posts which say most regularly available seahorses would not do well long term in a tank that size.
JustDavidP
New member
Coolio.... 12 inches long!?!? Get me some... I want them for my gene pool! Orange is best... you can PM me when you find them.
I've been breeding H. Reidi for a couple years and NONE OF MINE have been more than 7 inches long. Most, as a matter of fact are 6" dead on, tail straightened.
None of the folks who now own my Reidi have reported back that they have 12 inch fish. If any of you DO have my fish and they got 12 inches long...contact me. I'll buy them back or trade you for two of the average sized, 6-7 inch fish.
For what it's worth, my family room display tank is a 26 Bowfront with two pair of Yellow Reidi and a goby. The two pair are proven breeders as well, providing hundreds of fry a year. They are more than happy in that tank too.
D
I've been breeding H. Reidi for a couple years and NONE OF MINE have been more than 7 inches long. Most, as a matter of fact are 6" dead on, tail straightened.
None of the folks who now own my Reidi have reported back that they have 12 inch fish. If any of you DO have my fish and they got 12 inches long...contact me. I'll buy them back or trade you for two of the average sized, 6-7 inch fish.
For what it's worth, my family room display tank is a 26 Bowfront with two pair of Yellow Reidi and a goby. The two pair are proven breeders as well, providing hundreds of fry a year. They are more than happy in that tank too.
D
FWIW - I kept a pair of WC reidi for almost 5 years, (a flourescent orange female and a purple male.) They measured 11" and 12" respectively. I realize WC fish are usually larger - none of their babies ever reached their size either, but I certainly wouldn't have condemned them to living in a 12 gallon nano.
Also, you're not comparing apples to apples. You, with your several years of reef and seahorse experience can push the envelope a little, and happily keep 2 pair of horses in a 26 gallon tank. Someone without your experience is only headed for disaster.
I stand by my comment that reidi are some of the larger species, and that none should be kept in a 12 gallon tank.
Also, you're not comparing apples to apples. You, with your several years of reef and seahorse experience can push the envelope a little, and happily keep 2 pair of horses in a 26 gallon tank. Someone without your experience is only headed for disaster.
I stand by my comment that reidi are some of the larger species, and that none should be kept in a 12 gallon tank.
JustDavidP
New member
Oooh April... I think I like you you've got brains and spunk!
Yes, you are correct and I am NOT keeping in mind the PROPER way to guide a new enthusiast. I truly apologize. Thank you.
For what it's worth, I will admit that the "average" hobbyist is NOT going to connect a 26G bowfront to a 75G, basement, sump-fugium like I have. YES FOLKS.. you need to improvise to "push the envelope" as April has said.
D
you've got brains and spunk!Yes, you are correct and I am NOT keeping in mind the PROPER way to guide a new enthusiast. I truly apologize. Thank you.
For what it's worth, I will admit that the "average" hobbyist is NOT going to connect a 26G bowfront to a 75G, basement, sump-fugium like I have. YES FOLKS.. you need to improvise to "push the envelope" as April has said.
D
I would not put seahorses of any kind in a 12g tank. I heard also that 20 is too small but if properly kept I think a pair would be fine. I have 2 pair in a 30g and I feel that is okay as long as I adhere to strict maintenance every week. I really need to buy another female because all I have is one but my gut keeps telling me not to do it, even though OR says it is fine to put 3 pair in a 30g. I am currently deciding what to do. There are not to many seahorse people in my area to sell to.
Sue
Sue
JustDavidP
New member
Bluestripe pipes (Doryrhamphus excisus excisus) are small and can be kept in that same system. They do require some training to get them onto frozen foods if they are wild caught or have only eaten live pods.
A trick that I often use with pipefish and small seahorses is to keep a trio of cleaner shrimp in the system. They breed often and provide TONS of live food.
Otherwise, I turned my ViaAqua 12G into a nice softy reef and had banggai cardinals in it. It worked out real well if you are into nano.
Dave
A trick that I often use with pipefish and small seahorses is to keep a trio of cleaner shrimp in the system. They breed often and provide TONS of live food.
Otherwise, I turned my ViaAqua 12G into a nice softy reef and had banggai cardinals in it. It worked out real well if you are into nano.
Dave
