Pretty much agree with Ray. The short answer is there is a much higher chance of long term success with lower temperatures.
We all know seahorses are different than other fish is many ways. One of those that many folks don't take into account is that their immune system is different as well, much more primitive. Seahorses apparently lack GALT (gut associated lymphoid tissue) which helps with adaptive immunity. The other thing is some species of vibrio grow exponentially faster each degree above 75 F. Combine these two things with the traditional seahorse setup that is small tank because they don't move around as much, not enough filtration and low flow with temps above 77, you would be lucky to have the seahorses beyond 18 months, typically I see issues less than 12 months with this type of setup.
There are many seahorse enthusiasts that have had the same seahorses for several years, some reaching 7, 8, & 9 years. Personally, I have some live beyond 10 years. Almost all run temperatures in the lower to mid 70's.
In 13 years of breeding seahorses, dealing with customers, participating in various forums, I can only recall 3 who have had long term success with temps at 78 and higher. They had larger tanks, light stocking densities, much higher than average flow, really good filtration and fed live foods.
Dan
