Suppose you are just getting started with this hobby. In that case, you should get familiar with all the requirements necessary to enjoy this journey you are getting on fully. Those that want fish in their aquariums will have to research the necessities of a particular species. Still, you will find out that these factors can quickly change when considering seahorses.
The seahorse is a tiny fish that got its famous name due to the shape of its head, which resembles a horse. There are more than 50 species of seahorses, so there is plenty for you to choose from. But if you decide to get one for your own aquarium, you must ensure optimal conditions for them.
In nature, they are commonly found in seagrass beds and coral reefs. They are also swimming through temperate and tropical waters, so you will have to create a similar environment in your aquarium as well. For now, continue reading this article to learn more about seahorse tank sizes, the best ones to buy, and which tank mates are ideal for this species.
Summary
We recommend you get a 45-gallong tank size when you want a seahorse pet. The best small tank you can get to hold seahorses is SeaClear. The best tank mates for seahorses are dartfish, gobies, and jawfish.
In this article, we’ll also look at the following:
- Where you can buy them
- How hard they are to keep
- Tank setups
Seahorse tank sizes
The aquarium for your seahorse should hold at least 30 gallons of water. This estimate is for one single pair, and you should add 15 more gallons for each additional pair that you want to add. While these are the minimum standards at which seahorses feel comfortable and can live a healthy life, it is always recommended to go larger if possible.
Give them some room to swim around, and they will thank you. They swim using their tail, and you will often find them wandering around the aquarium. By choosing a larger tank now, you can expand your seahorse herd and breed them later. Some of the largest species can reach up to 7 inches long so they will appreciate the extra space.
Look for aquariums that can hold between 45 to 90 gallons of water. It will give them enough space, and you can also add corals or decorations without worrying about them taking up too much room.
There are 46 species that comprise sea horses that include:
- Spiny
- Hippocampus
- Tiger tail
- Narrow-bellied
Tank mates
Nobody likes to be alone, not even seahorses. Getting one single exemplar is not a good idea since they can get lonely too. You should always get a pair of seahorses. You can increase their population with time by breeding them or acquiring more.
If you add some fish to their environment, you can choose from several slow and cautious species known to be good tank mates with seahorses. Some of them include the royal gammas and the firefish, which are not known to be aggressive.
Those with a high activity level will often be quicker than your seahorses, and you should remember this when feeding them. Always ensure that each fish gets their daily portion of food, as some might steal the one intended for another.
Here are suggestions for tank mates:
- Dartfish
- Gobies
- Jawfish
- Dragonets
- Basslets
Can you have pet seahorses?
The aquariums we can build nowadays are quite advanced, and they can easily meet the requirements even of the most exotic of species. While they are unique and have specific care needs, seahorses are easy to keep, and many aquarists have them as pets. Because they feature such a unique shape and bright colors, seahorses are also pleasing to look at.
That is why they will lighten any room, and your guests will surely be captivated by them too. If you are serious about this hobby, you can create an even bigger tank and breed them when the time comes. The tank of a seahorse should have optimal conditions if you have to ensure a long and healthy life for them.
Suppose you only have a limited space available on your desk. In that case, you will be pleased to discover that seahorses are not territorial or hyperactive. They do not require large tanks, but you should pay attention to the water quality and ensure the best one for them.
Is it hard to keep seahorses?
Keeping seahorses is not difficult, especially if you already have some experience in this domain. But even complete beginners will find it easy if they follow the guidelines for keeping them. While they have specific requirements, seahorses are marine creatures like fish commonly found in many aquariums.
Therefore, some people assume keeping them is difficult. In recent years, more and more people are creating tanks just for them and realize how easy it is to keep seahorses. Some captive-bred seahorses live all their lives in an aquarium, so they will not have to go through an accommodation period from nature to a tank.
You should also know that seahorses do not have scales, and their structure consists of an exoskeleton covered with soft tissues. Because of this, they are more sensitive to infections, so you should be extra careful with them.
The main aspects of caring for them include:
- The right tank size
- Water temperature
- Substrate in the water
- Filtering the water
- Feeding them
Tank setup
Your tank setup depends on you, as you can customize it just the way you like it. However, there are some things to consider and some parameters to follow. Regarding water flow, seahorses can easily handle low to medium-flow tanks.
When you feed them, make sure to turn off the water pump to make it easier for them. Proper feeding is important; you are responsible for what and when your seahorses eat. Usually, you will want to feed them mysis shrimp, as it is their primary food choice. You can find these at your local pet store, and the staff there will help you choose the best food for your seahorse.
But you should always defrost the food in water first and proceed to feed them from there. You should also know that seahorses love corals, rocks, and natural decorations, and you should add some of them to your aquarium. Get creative with it and try to recreate their natural environment. With these additions, your seahorses will be happy for a long time.
Best seahorse aquarium for beginners
If you are a beginner, choosing the best tank for your seahorse might be overwhelming. As you already know, these species need a tank holding at least 30 gallons of water. This minimal requirement is optimal for those that are just getting started with this hobby.
While there are many options on the market, we present you with the best one we could find. This product is strong and durable, so you won’t have to worry about the glass breaking down unexpectedly.
SeaClear 30 gal Show Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
Once you place an order, the company will prepare your package, which includes 3 items. These are the aquarium, a reflector, and a bonus electrical light fixture that will help with artificial lighting. Seahorses do not have any special requirements regarding lighting, but this light fixture will create a bright environment for them.
The walls of this tank are 17 times stronger and clearer than glass. The company that manufactured this product used acrylic materials in its construction and reduced the total weight in half. Because it is more resistant to impacts, this aquarium is also safe around children and pets.
The decorations you place inside this tank will stand out thanks to the increased transparency of the walls. Combined with the light fixture provided in the package, the seahorses will be visible, and you can admire their beauty for hours.
| Name | SeaClear |
| Capacity | 30 gallon |
| Weight | 20 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 36 x 12 x 16 inches |
| Made in | Mexico |
Pros
- It’s a good starter size.
- It’s well built.
- The price is very nice.
- Fairly light compared to comparable products
Cons
- It’s not massive so you might upgrade at some point.
- The hood could be better.
How much do seahorses cost?
Seahorses are more expensive than typical fish you can get for your aquarium. However, their price is still within most people’s budget limits. The average price is $100 for 10 seahorses, and you must do proper research before purchasing them.
Because they are not cheap, you should also consider the costs you have with your aquarium and other equipment. A water filter and additional decorations will increase this budget, and you also need to purchase their food on a monthly basis.
You need to be careful with these species, so it is not recommended to invest a large amount of money if you cannot care for them. If you are away from home often, ensure they are still in the care of someone else. As a general rule, you should only purchase seahorses that have been raised in captivity as they can adapt easier to your aquarium’s environment.
Where to buy a seahorse?
If you learned the basics of care and how to create the perfect environment for these pets, you are ready to purchase and own them. Depending on where you live, you will have two options for buying seahorses: at a local store or online.
Those that find themselves in big cities can find several pet stores around them. Some of these stores will also have seahorses; you can purchase them directly and bring them home to your tank. Other stores will ship directly to you after you contact them. This way, they can guarantee perfect transportation procedures.
You can order seahorses online if you don’t have a pet store nearby. Choose between licensed and professional pet stores that also fulfill deliveries. Still, you can also contact a breeder directly and buy directly from them. They are experienced in raising and selling seahorses; you will also get some advice from them.
| Store name | Description | How we liked them |
| PetSmart | Big physical and online presence | 7/10 |
| Petco | Big physical and online presence | 8/10 |
| Liveaquaria | Only online | 9/10 |
| Aquariumcreationsonline | Only online | 7/10 |
FAQ
Seahorses are well known for being marine animals. They thrive in tropical seas and oceans containing saltwater and can tolerate high salinity levels. If you want to get seahorses, make sure you put them in a tank with slightly warm saltwater.
If you want to get a pair, it is recommended that you get a tank that can hold at least 30 gallons of water. They need plenty of space to swim around, and you should also increase this capacity by 15 gallons for every extra pair you get.
