50 Cube vs 75 Standard

[mrsaltwaterguy]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of switching my set up from a 75 gallon standard RR tank to a 50 gallon cube with the dimensions of 24x24x20. I'm wondering if this is going to be detrimental to the ponies as I currently have 3 and would love to have at least 2 more. Part of my reasoning is that it is easy to lose sight of them in the 75 gallon due to the large dimensions and I'd love to be able to see the ponies most of the time. Any opinions from more seasoned veterans?

 

[vlangel]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of switching my set up from a 75 gallon standard RR tank to a 50 gallon cube with the dimensions of 24x24x20. I'm wondering if this is going to be detrimental to the ponies as I currently have 3 and would love to have at least 2 more. Part of my reasoning is that it is easy to lose sight of them in the 75 gallon due to the large dimensions and I'd love to be able to see the ponies most of the time. Any opinions from more seasoned veterans?

I am sorry, I missed this post. Personally I would not keep 5 ponies in a 50 gallon unless you are very experienced. Most seahorse folks agree that 30 gallons for the first pair and 15 gallons for every pony over that. Your current 75 gallon is suitable for 5 ponies. Maybe you could re-scape it so that the ponies are more visible.

 

[mrsaltwaterguy]

I am sorry, I missed this post. Personally I would not keep 5 ponies in a 50 gallon unless you are very experienced. Most seahorse folks agree that 30 gallons for the first pair and 15 gallons for every pony over that. Your current 75 gallon is suitable for 5 ponies. Maybe you could re-scape it so that the ponies are more visible.

Now when they mention the 15 gallons per extra pony does that mean total volume? I will also have a 20 gallon sump and 20 gallon fuge attached so the total volume will be close to 90 gallons.

 

[vlangel]

Now when they mention the 15 gallons per extra pony does that mean total volume? I will also have a 20 gallon sump and 20 gallon fuge attached so the total volume will be close to 90 gallons.

I have heard it both ways so I am not sure. I feel like the added water volume has to help.
Neither of those will hold a full 20 gallons but you are correct that you will probably have 75 gallons total. I guess you will need to make that judgement depending on your confidence with seahorses.

 

[mrsaltwaterguy]

I have heard it both ways so I am not sure. I feel like the added water volume has to help.
Neither of those will hold a full 20 gallons but you are correct that you will probably have 75 gallons total. I guess you will need to make that judgement depending on your confidence with seahorses.

I appreciate the feedback, I currently only have 3 ponies and may keep it that way. Especially if the conversion and new scape increases the visibility. It's just so easy to lose sight of them in a 4 foot tank. I'm planning on adding a few artificial decorations as well that will hopefully produce some more coloration as well.

 

[vlangel]

Hey mrsaltwaterguy, did you get a 50 gallon cube tank? I would be interested in a build thread if you did.

I would also be interested in seeing the 75 gallon set up if you did not.

 

[mrsaltwaterguy]

I ended up going with a 50 gallon cube. It has worked out great with 3 seahorses. I'm just shattered today though as I left my seahorses with a caretaker for the long weekend and one got caught on a powerhead. I feel so guilty today.

 

[vlangel]

I ended up going with a 50 gallon cube. It has worked out great with 3 seahorses. I'm just shattered today though as I left my seahorses with a caretaker for the long weekend and one got caught on a powerhead. I feel so guilty today.

I am so sorry and sad for you. It really hurts when something bad happens that you think if you did things different it might have been prevented. I have also felt the sting of guilt from such events.

The best thing to do is to learn from it rather than beating yourself up over it.