Seahorses

[stang1]

I currently have a 10G tank that is cycling and was wondering if I could keep Dwarf Seahorses. I've hunted around on here and other sites but can't seem to find a definite answer. I want to make sure that the tank is suitable and that I have it set up just right. Could someone please help with the following:

Is the tank big enough? If so, how many could I keep?

Do I need a protein skimmer?

Do I need special lighting?

What type of decor/corals etc.?

Any help much appreciated ,
Angie

 

[ben1987]

You kept marines before?

 

[stang1]

I kept a 3ft marine tank for nearly a year, last year, and then upgraded to a 5ft. Unfortunately, I had to strip the tank down to rescue another fish.

 

[ben1987]

i always though that they needed like a 20 gallon tank that is taller rather than long.
but i dont know all that much about them, i guess stability would be the main issue with it rather than anything else

just had a quick google and this says 10 gal

http/www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=...73&aid=1860

 

[stang1]

I was thinking the same Ben, although one a couple of sites said that 10G would be fine. Confusing or what?!?
I want to be certain it is big enough, otherwise I shall have to look at different stocking.
Thanks anyway.

 

[ben1987]

Well they max at two inches dont they? so i think if you are confident you can keep the tank stable enough why not. they arent active swimmers so...

 

[stang1]

More than confident I can keep it stable, my better half loves perfecting water quality!

 

[ben1987]

Temp as well? small volume like that could heat up quick

 

[stang1]

That shouldn't be a problem either. I've kept a variety of fish for two and a half years now and also work at an lfs, spare time is spent researching!
I am pretty confident when it comes to fish keeping but want to make sure I provide the right environment.

 

[Colin_T]

I currently have a 10G tank that is cycling and was wondering if I could keep Dwarf Seahorses.

Is the tank big enough? yes. If so, how many could I keep? 4-6 depending on how many water changes you want to do. Just monitor the water quality and keep it good.

Do I need a protein skimmer? no but they do help keep the water cleaner for longer. However, they aren't really designed for small tanks and most of the decent ones are liable to suck a seahorse up. So better off not having a skimmer on the tank.

Do I need special lighting? no, any sort of light is fine. Use a single T8 fluoro if you want. The only reason you need lots of light is if you want to grow macro algae or corals in the tank. Then a couple of T5 hi output lights would be fine.

What type of decor/corals etc.? you can use plastic plants like vallis, plastic corals or if you want live corals, then add a few of those. You can use coloured rope and have it tied to a rock. Have a couple of strands in the tank and the seahorses will often hang onto it with their tails.

 

[stang1]

Music to a girls ears Colin, thankyou!
Water changes aren't a problem, I still have some of my old marine bits including a refractometer to keep an eye on salinity.
The tank currently has a single T8 light, are there any corals that would thrive under this?
Also, what type of filter would you recommend as it only has a Fluval 2 at the moment?

 

[Colin_T]

Coral morphs and zoanthids might be ok under a single T8 globe. Keep the corals close to the surface and have the lights on for 12-16hours per day. If the corals start to fade and lose colour then they need more light.

A Fluval2 internal filter should be fine. Keep an eye on it to make sure it isn't too strong and blows the seahorses all over the tank.

 

[stang1]

Thanks again Colin.
I'm in no rush to get the Seahorses as I want the tank to mature. Any ideas on the best way to keep the tank mature for another few weeks? Am I best introducing anything into the tank now to help it along the way?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions, just want to make sure I get it right.

 

[Colin_T]

if you cycle the tank with ammonia then just keep adding that until the day before you get the seahorses. Then stop adding it and do a huge water change. The following day add the seahorses.

if you don't have any ammonia left then just feed the tank with a bit of frozen fish food each day. Remove the food after a few hours. Stop feeding the tank the day before you get the horses and do a huge waterchange. Then add the horses a day after the water change.

 

[stang1]

I tend to use the food method when cycling so I'll carry on adding it as you suggest.
Would it be worth adding corals before or after getting the Seahorses?