I’m going to do a reef tank with seahorses. I’ve been in the hobby for about a year but haven’t done seahorses before... is there any species I should start with? I’ve seen dwarfs and they seem pretty cost efficient.
Beginner with Seahorses
- Thread starter Casket_Case
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rayjay
Well-Known Member
Dwarfs cannot be kept in a reef tank. They only get to about 1" +- and need constant supply of live food, usually in the form of enriched brine shrimp nauplii but can be supplemented with appropriate copepods.
Standard seahorses CAN be housed with reef type inhabitants if those inhabitants are chosen SPECIFICALLY to be seahorse suitable. No aggressive tank mates, no stinging corals or anemones, suitable for the cooler needs (68° to 74°F) that are best for seahorse keeping (most species) That's just the short list of specifics. If you check out all the stickies that head this forum it can educate you MUCH better than I can do in a post.
Standard seahorses CAN be housed with reef type inhabitants if those inhabitants are chosen SPECIFICALLY to be seahorse suitable. No aggressive tank mates, no stinging corals or anemones, suitable for the cooler needs (68° to 74°F) that are best for seahorse keeping (most species) That's just the short list of specifics. If you check out all the stickies that head this forum it can educate you MUCH better than I can do in a post.
SueAndHerZoo
Active Member
I've done both (in the process of setting up another large seahorse tank and still have my dwarves) and I think the dwarves require much more time and effort. But it depends on what size tank you're talking about, and what you mean by "reef tank".
Sue
Sue
OP
OP
I’m going to do lots of different algaes, Gorgonians, sponges, zoanthids, and mushrooms. A more natural Floridian style reef tank.
LisaMarie
Addicted to Reefing
I've found hippocampus erectus to be the most "beginner friendly" seahorse. Very hardy and beautiful. You will need a minimum of 30 gallons per pair. I strongly suggest buying from a reputable breeder. Starting with strong, healthy seahorses that have been captive bred and raised will save alot of headache (and heartaches). LOVE my seahorses!
matchmakersmagic
Seahorse Addict
Agreed!
