New to Seahorses

[maddy61203]

Hi everyone!! I have been reading these forums for a while now, but im still kinda confused. I am wanting to keep seahorses but so unsure as what kind to get, or where to get them from? I have a ton of saltwater setups for fish and such but never seahorses. The tank I would have for them is a 55 Gallon with Life Glo lights (2) Fluval 305 Canister filter, a heater, crushed coral (about 60 pounds) Live rock (about 25 pounds) and so on. All my levels are great and I have never had problems with any fish in there. Is there anyone who could give mr any suggestions? I was thinking of dwarf seahorses just beacuse im not sure if I can handle it, but I know that they have to eat live foods. Any help would be great.

Jen

[VWD]

I think in that size tank the dwarf seahorses will be hard to keep, they are very small.


I like H.reidi, You will need to keep the temperature cooler for most seahorses even the h.reidi, But they can stand a little higher temp range , JMO

[maddy61203]

Thank you!! The tank has been running for 2 years now is there anything that I need to do? Also I know that people are saying to use Ocean Rider?! Is this the only place?

[aquawolf]

I would definitely stay away from the dwarfs as Vinnie said as they are too difficult to feed in a large tank and are usually wild caught. The biggest thing you want to be sure of is that you are buying captive bred seahorses. That is why Ocean Rider has been recommended is because they are tank bred and not raised in a netted off area in the ocean. The main reason for wanting tank raised is because they will already be eating frozen food, most likely mysis shrimp, when you buy them. If you go to an LFS to get them you need to watch them actually eat the frozen food before you buy them.

One of the best things you can do before getting them is what you are doing now and that is research them. You can find out some very good information on Seahorse.org as well.

I wish you the best of luck.

[maddy61203]

Thanks again...

I was trying to stay semi local so that I could see them being fed before me but in NC its hard to find them. I def. dont want to rush into this so I am trying to make all modifications to the tank before I decide. Is there one that is easier than the other? I heard Reidi is good but I am not sure. Or if anyone knows locally where to get them that would be great. Thanks for answering, you guys have been very helpful.

[jojon60]

I would contact seahorsesource.com . They breed Reidi and Erectus seahorses in Ft. Pierce Florida. Dan and Abbie will answer any question you have and there customer service is fantastic. Ocean Rider seahorses are way over priced. Also do a search on the different boards about there customer service when something goes wrong.

[gfunk823]

would a 30 gallon tank be significant for seahorses or is it depending on what species?

[VWD]

30 gallon is a good size tank for many types of seahorses