Example 20 gallon Seahorse Aquarium
One issue that new seahorse keepers struggle with is what exactly they need for an aquarium setup to keep seahorses. Having never kept fish, it can be difficult to pick out what precisely is needed to get started. Here is a list of basic equipment and a price brake down, to give an idea of the specifics of cost and equipment to get started.
In this article, the set up is a 20 gallon aquarium set up with the bare minimum equipment to be successful with seahorses. A single pair could be kept in a 20H, though more seahorses would require a larger tank. Brands were removed, and the prices will likely vary from store to store. All this equipment, though, was found in a local pet store and should be available to anyone with a pet store near by.
Equipment List
39.99 20 gallon high glass aquarium
32.49 Hood and fluorescent strip light combination
67.99 Aquarium stand, (vinyl, pressboard)
25.79 Hang on Back aquarium filter with adjustable flow rated up to 30 gallons
18.59 PowerHead ~100gph with good intake strainer
29.99 50 gallon bag of instant ocean salt.
13.79 Plastic swing arm hydrometer
32.49 100watt submersible heater
1.89 LCD thermometer
4.79 4oz tap water conditioner*
12.99 Siphoning hose / gravel cleaner
5.98 2ft aquarium backing @ 2.99/ft
29.99 20 lb reef sand
89.90 10lb live rock @8.99lb**
40.00 Misc. decorations and hitching posts
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420.66***
Optional but recommended equipment
30.00 saltwater master test kit
25.99 marine spectrum aquarium light bulb
12.99 magnetic glass cleaner
50-200.00 protein skimmer
*A tap water conditioner is needed IF you intend on using tap water. However, marine aquariums do better with reverse osmosis water. A r/o filter can be purchased, or you can usually buy r/o water from most grocery stores at fill-it-yourself stations.
**in reef tanks, it is usually recommended to have 1-2lb of live rock per gallon of water. Seahorse tanks are usually arranged differently because the animals need more open space for hitching posts. However, live rock is still an essential part of the aquarium, and the successful seahorse aquarium will have as as much rock as can be fit in the limited space.
***Additionally, you can often save money by purchasing equipment used, as well as purchasing non-heavy items through reputable stores online.
Important note: You should research and decide your own needs before starting. This only gives an outline of the BARE minimum needed to get started, and may not be appropriate for your needs.
Seahorse Aquarium With Artificial Corals
I got few seahorse way back 2008 but unfortunately they die. I am having a hard time looking for a live food to feed them. It’s maybe because I didn’t used appropriate water and lack of live rock. My seahorse only last for a few weeks and after that I didn’t get one again. But thanks for the information. Now I am planning to grab another try.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:48 amI would love to see a seahorse aquarium in real life!
August 12th, 2011 at 3:29 pmSounds like a neat project
August 29th, 2011 at 4:12 pm