Seahorse Or Lionfish with other fish?

NotFishyFishGuy · Feb 9, 2019

hey everyone. I have a fluval evo 13.5 with two clowns a damsel and a coral banded shrimp. It has been running for a bout 2 months. I plan on adding more fish in a few weeks to a month and wanted to start researching and deciding. I went to my LFS today for more freshwater fish for my 10 gallon, and saw a lot of saltwater fish. I also saw a seahorse. I’ve done a little research on them before, but never really focused in them since I never thought I would get them. However, when I asked the guy at my LFS, he said that I could add the seahorse after tested more water parameters, and when the tank is more mature like in a few weeks. He also said that I could target feed him and he would be okay. I was wondering if I could get any advice about this: I really want the seahorse, but only if it will survive and be healthy. Are my fish compatible? Also, if I don’t get the seahorse, what other fish could I get?

This doesn’t have much to do with the topic above but when I was at the LFS, I saw a dwarf lionfish with a blue hippo tang and some clownfish and he seemed to be fine. When I asked the guy, he said that they got along fine. I observed them for a few minutes and they didn’t seem to be aggressive towards each other. I have always wanted a larger tank and if I do, I would want lots of small to medium sized fish (not too small, like the smallest would probably be like a clownfish) and I thought about getting a dwarf lionfish if I ever do get a larger tank. If I did, what fish could I put with it? Could I put clowns and tangs like they did in the shop?

Appreciate any advice thks

Duffer · Feb 9, 2019

To be truthful for your size tank you are close to the limit on how many fish you should have

Billdogg · Feb 9, 2019

duffer said:
To be truthful for your size tank you are close to the limit on how many fish you should have

I respectfully disagree. The OP's tank is, at least IMO, overstocked as it is. A lionfish, be it a dwarf or not, is not a suitable fish for a 13.5g tank even as the only inhabitant. Your clowns and damsel would be nothing more than lunch for it. Because they are very messy feeders, having an oversize filtration system is a good idea as well.

Likewise, a seahorse is not a good choice for that setup either. It requires a relatively low flow tank and if there are to be any, especially peaceful fish as tank mates. It should also have a larger tank with excellent filtration due to feeding requirements.

It sounds to me like your friendly LFS is just trying to sell the new guy whatever it is he wants to make a buck or two. Look for another LFS.

NotFishyFishGuy · Feb 9, 2019

Billdogg said:
I respectfully disagree. The OP's tank is, at least IMO, overstocked as it is. A lionfish, be it a dwarf or not, is not a suitable fish for a 13.5g tank even as the only inhabitant. Your clowns and damsel would be nothing more than lunch for it. Because they are very messy feeders, having an oversize filtration system is a good idea as well.

Likewise, a seahorse is not a good choice for that setup either. It requires a relatively low flow tank and if there are to be any, especially peaceful fish as tank mates. It should also have a larger tank with excellent filtration due to feeding requirements.

It sounds to me like your friendly LFS is just trying to sell the new guy whatever it is he wants to make a buck or two. Look for another LFS.

They didn’t tell me to get the dwarf lion and I meant that for a bigger tank. Yeah I agree they might have. The seahorse was $70 so they oroabablg were

Duffer · Feb 9, 2019

Billdogg said:
I respectfully disagree. The OP's tank is, at least IMO, overstocked as it is. A lionfish, be it a dwarf or not, is not a suitable fish for a 13.5g tank even as the only inhabitant. Your clowns and damsel would be nothing more than lunch for it. Because they are very messy feeders, having an oversize filtration system is a good idea as well.

Likewise, a seahorse is not a good choice for that setup either. It requires a relatively low flow tank and if there are to be any, especially peaceful fish as tank mates. It should also have a larger tank with excellent filtration due to feeding requirements.

It sounds to me like your friendly LFS is just trying to sell the new guy whatever it is he wants to make a buck or two. Look for another LFS.

That was basically what I was trying to state..13 gallon tank the limit has been reached