Questions About Setting Up A Saltwater Aquarium For Seahorses

whiskeylullabye · 10-07-2006, 07:41 PM

Hey ya'll. I'm totally new here, but not new to fish. I had a freshwater aquarium a few years ago but seem to have forgotten everything I knew about setting up aquariums and cycling the tank. Plus, this time I want a saltwater aquarium.

Today I was at the aquarium store as I have been thinking about starting up a saltwater tank for awhile now, and decided that I want to set up a small saltwater aquarium for a few seahorses.

The manager pointed out a small aquarium to me, I think it's 12 gallons, that is built for a saltwater tank, and I think I am going to buy it.

Do any of you guys have advice about how exactly to start the tank up, or information about seahorses? I am going to be doing a lot of research tonight and all that, but I've found that personal experience + research makes for the best experience.

ahill3780 · 10-07-2006, 10:05 PM

Welcome to FishTankForums!

Nice to see you are doing your homework! As you go about your research you will find that it is going to be better to start off with a 30g tall tank for your Seahorses.

I was planning on starting a SH tank a few months back, but decided to put it off for now. I did some moderate research into the subject so I'll try to remember what I learned here...

Seahorse tanks are kept at lower temperatures than most SW tanks, around 76 F or lower I believe. There shouldn't be too much current in the tank, but a brisk flow is allright.

They do best when housed with multiple specimens in a species only tank if I remember correctly, and they will need lots of plants or decor that they can grab onto.

Many need to be started with live Mysis shrimp to entice them into eating, but after that you should provide a range of foods for them that alternates with live foods if possible.

Check out Live Aquaria for some basic information and then hit the web for specific articles on the subject. If I think of anything else that might help I'll let you know.

HTH,
Aaron