This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission.
Choosing a tank for a seahorse is a little different than choosing a tank for any other fish. Seahorses are very unique in their requirements and physical structure therefore the tank they require must cater to their needs.
The 5 Best Seahorse Tanks
1. The CORALIFE BIOCUBE 32GAL Tank (MOST AFFORDABLE)
2. The RED SEA REEFER170 G2+33GAL Tank ( VALUE FOR MONEY)
3. The REEF OCTOPUS LUX T60 32GAL (BEGINNER PREMIUM)
4. The RED SEA REEFER DELUXE 54GAL (ADVANCED BEGINNER)
5. The RED SEA REEFER DELUXE XL 91 GAL Tank (EXPERT)
How To Choose The Right Tank.
Seahorses require a good saltwater tank with the proper setup and right dimensions to thrive in. Even though I’ve recommended the best tanks, you still need to choose one that is suitable for you.
When making that choice you need to ask yourself a few questions such as
1. What is my budget?
2. What is my experience level?
3. An idea of the type of tank you are looking for?
These three initial questions will help point you in the right direction making sure you choose the right tank.
The right tank will depend on the number of seahorses you wish to keep and the type of setup you wish to choose.
The more advanced the setup and the aesthetic of the tank the higher the price you must be willing to pay.
In terms of dimensions, it all depends on two aspects, namely; size requirements and the vertical space required for seahorses to thrive.
1. Minimum Size Requirements.
Seahorses are marine fish, which means they need a saltwater aquarium to survive in. As we know one of the challenges faced with saltwater tanks is the strict water parameters.
When it comes to seahorses, water quality is also key since they are less forgiving and any fluctuations in parameters will negatively affect them.
Maintaining a saltwater aquarium is easier in a bigger tank since it allows for more stable parameters than in a typical small tank.
Hence, a pair of seahorses will require a tank of a minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters) and 15 gallons extra for every additional pair you wish to keep.
This general size rule will help keep strict water parameters intact preventing overcrowding and ensuring there’s enough room for each seahorse.
Anything smaller will demand consistent maintenance while leaving room for error. I highly advise at least a 30-gallon tank, it will be worthwhile.
2. Enough Vertical Space.
Seahorses are structured in an upright position, unlike other fish who require horizontal space these fish need enough vertical room to move freely.
The swimming patterns of a seahorse are a lot more vertical than horizontal, it can be described as an up-and-down movement.
Therefore the tank you choose must be at least 18 inches in height to cater to their swimming patterns.
If you choose a substrate bottom you would want to get at least 20 inches in height to make up for the space the sand will take at the bottom.
Following these height restrictions will guide you in choosing the right tank for your seahorse to enjoy.
I’ve compiled a list of my top 5 seahorse aquarium tanks that fit the requirements needed to keep seahorses successfully.
CORALIFE BIOCUBE 32 GAL STARTER KIT (MOST AFFORDABLE)
The CORALIFE BIOCUBE tank is a sleek modern rounded-edged tank that makes for a great budget beginner setup.
This kit comes with all the right features for a great seahorse aquarium. It comes perfectly sized with the right dimensions (20.25″ long X 21.875″ Wide X 21.5″ High) to house a pair of seahorses.
This beginner tank comes packed with:
- A compact and customizable filtration chamber media basket, sponge (pump pre-filter), and mechanical/carbon filter cartridge.
- Hinge-top canopy design for easy maintenance.
- A quiet submersible pump with 264 GPH and dual intakes.
- LED lighting (night and day modes) for the best vibrant enhancements.
- Timer capabilities.
- Cooling Fan: 50mm, 15.3 CFM, 25.5 Db.
- Adjustable return nozzle and clear glass back panel for easy set-up and is Compatible with all existing Biocube accessories.
The CORALIFE BIOCUBE is an absolute no-brainer when looking for the right seahorse beginner tank. At this price, it’s deemed very affordable for its modern design.
Other Accessories Required:
1. The Coralife Biocube Stand.
2. Biocube UV Sterilizer.
3. Biocube Protein Skimmer.
All these accessories are conveniently available at the aquarium specialty.
RED SEA REEFER 170 G2+ SYSTEM – 33 GAL (VALUE FOR MONEY)
The RED SEA REEFER is an absolute beaut when it comes to its aesthetic appearance and overall infrastructure which makes it a perfect fit for magical creatures such as seahorses.
This new and improved spec comes fully equipped and better than ever providing hobbyists with a solid foundation for building a fully featured reef or marine aquarium.
This tank makes maintenance a breeze, especially with seahorses who consistently require care, it’s indeed valuable.
Features Include
- Rimless ultra-clear, beveled-edge glass (extra thick and protected)
- With an inclusive extra-fortified plywood marine-spec laminated cabinet/stand (includes hinges for leveling)
- Comes with the ReefATO+ system, which keeps your water volume and salinity stable.
- Includes an accurate temperature monitor as well as a highly sensitive leak detector.
- Professional REEF-SPEC sump, including mechanical filtration media compartment complete with micron filters and filter cups.
- Bubble trap and RO Reservoir.
- Dual side-facing return pump outlets for better water distribution.
- With reduced turbulence for a quieter operation.
- Large central overflow box to hide piping, with a large surface skimmer with a removable weir comb for easy cleaning.
- Assembly-ready piping – no gluing required, connectors, and precision valves.
- Come with an extended warranty, that’s a total of 5 years of worry-free protection!
Specifications.
- Display Tank Dimensions – 24″L x 20″H x 20″W
- Display Tank Volume – 33 Gallons
- Total System Height – 54″
- Total System Volume – 44 Gallons
- Sump Volume – 10 Gallons
The RED SEA REEFER G2+ tank definitely boasts quality and performance. This by far is value for your money’s worth, check out the latest prices.
REEF OCTOPUS LUX T60 32GAL AQUARIUM SYSTEM (BEGINNER PREMIUM)
If you looking for a tank with stunning aesthetic and modern features and an immaculate design the REEF OCTOPUS LUX is for you.
I describe this tank as premium regarding my best beginner tanks. This tank was planned and carefully structured for easy maneuvering while displaying durability, and safety with the environment in mind.
This is the tank with the WORLD’S THINNEST AQUARIUM OVERFLOW SYSTEM.
Features Include
- Slim-Flow system – slim integrated overflow and water reservoir preserve the overall aesthetics of the tank.
- These quality rimless show tanks feature stunningly clear 3/8″ low iron glass on all viewable planes
- Sturdy Ergonomically Designed Cabinet for Easy Viewing (available in Pearl White and Gloss Black)
- Overflow along the entire length of the tank for better water circulation.
- Complete System – Includes return pump, protein skimmer, sump, filter sock, and plumbing.
- Ready-to-go Reef Octopus equipment and system for hassle-free setup.
- Patented Nylon Doors Hinges (NO RUST)
Specifications.
- Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 18in (LxWxH)
- Tank Volume: 32gal
- Reservoir Volume: 0.8gal
- Cabinet Height: 39.5in
- Sump Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 12in (LxWxH)
- Protein Skimmer: Classic 110int
The REEF OCTOPUS in the lux range is one of the best tanks ever, ideal for anyone whos interested in comfort and class.
RED SEA REEFER DELUXE 54 GAL (ADVANCED BEGINNER)
The RED SEA REEFER DELUXE tank is an advanced tank holding a whooping 52 gallons in all its beauty.
This is the right tank for someone with intermediate knowledge and experience, what I like to call an advanced beginner.
Red Sea’s REEFER series of reef systems provide advanced hobbyists with a solid foundation for building a fully featured reef, marine aquarium, or in this case a species-specific tank.
The REEFER series combines a contemporary, rimless, ultra-clear glass aquarium with a stylish cabinet and a comprehensive water management system.
This includes a professional refugium-ready sump with integrated automatic top-up and Red Sea’s unique silent down-flow system.
Features Include
- Rimless, ultra-clear, beveled-edge glass aquarium
- Elegant, marine-spec, laminated, plywood cabinet with adjustable feet
- Assembly-ready piping – no gluing required
- Professional refugium-ready sump with adjustable height skimmer chamber
- The silent, regulated down-flow system with emergency overflow
- RO reservoir that can hold a few days’ worth of top-off water to keep the water level, salinity,, and flow rates consistent throughout the tank.
- Micron filter bags and filter media cups
- Bubble trap
Specifications.
- Display Tank Dimensions – 36″L x 20″H x 21″W
- Display Tank Volume – 54 Gallons
- Total System Height – 55″
- Total System Volume – 65 Gallons
- Sump Volume – 10 Gallons
- Front Glass Thickness – 1/2″
- Side Glass Thickness – 1/2″
- Bottom Glass Thickness – 1/2″
- Included Lighting – 2x ReefLED 90s + mounting arms
All REEFER aquariums have included a standard 2-year warranty, however, this tank comes with an extended total warranty of 5 years.
RED SEA REEFER DELUXE XL 91 GAL (EXPERT)
The RED SEA REEFER DELUXE XL 91 GAL tank is similar to the previous aquarium but with greater depth and capacity.
This 91-gallon aquarium is nothing short of perfection which makes for a great tank for an expert-looking setup of a well-structured aquarium.
New & Improved Features
- Rimless ultra-clear, beveled-edge glass with increased thickness
- Extra-fortified plywood marine-spec laminated cabinets (with additional aluminum “floating tank” supports on REEFER 625 G2 models and bigger)
- Dual side-facing return pump outlets for better water distribution (On REEFER 350 G2 models and bigger)
- Large central overflow box to hide piping, with a large surface skimmer with a removable weir comb for easy cleaning
- Silent downflow system with an enlarged rectangular inlet to reduce turbulence
- Assembly-ready piping now with extra bulkhead connectors in both Metric and USA sizes for customized setups
- New and improved high-precision valve on the downflow pipe for easier flow regulation and near-silent operation
- Professional REEF-SPEC sump, including:
- Mechanical filtration media compartment complete with micron filters and filter cups
- Optional refugium compartment
- Adjustable height skimmer chamber
- Bubble trap
- RO Reservoir
Specifications.
- Display Tank Dimensions – 47″L x 22″H x 23.6″W
- Display Tank Volume – 91 Gallons
- Total System Height – 56″
- Total System Volume – 115 Gallons
- Sump Volume – 24 Gallons
- Front Glass Thickness – 1/2″
- Side Glass Thickness – 5/8″
- Bottom Glass Thickness – 1/2″
- Included Lighting – 2x ReefLED 90s + mounting arms
With a total of 5-year worry-free warranty, the RED SEA REEFER DELUXE XL is an effortless beast in the aquarium space.
Final Thoughts.
Shopping for the best seahorse aquarium is a very exciting yet daunting task. I admit it can feel overwhelming but I can assure you it’s quite fun once you start to put things in place.
I highly advise you to choose the right tank according to your budget and experience level. Don’t be pressured into buying something just for the sake of it.
Rather choose something you can handle, with good quality and a good setup that will help you succeed.
This saltwater hobby is a journey, you don’t need to figure things out all at once rather allow yourself to grow as you gain experience.
