Hi Annamarie,
Welcome and how lucky you are!! Congratulations!! I have a similar story. I never wanted a saltwater aquarium until I walked into the lfs one day and saw seahorses. I was sold hook line and sinker. I have been keeping them ever since.
Your set up is just fine and the seahorses should be very happy in a more natural environment. Actually most breeders keep bare bottom tanks without live rock so it is not unusual for them to be transferred from a more “sterile” environment to a more natural environment.
They should not be additionally stressed by the change in environment. Most seahorses do quite well if acclimated properly, even when shipped and yours will be spared shipping stress, so I think you can relax a bit.
As long as your hermits are small they should be just fine.
Your freshwater experience is definitely a plus.
As for being hard to keep…… that is dated information and more accurate when discussing wild caught seahorses which are quite different from their captive bred relatives. Captive bred seahorses when cared for properly are very hearty and healthy. You should do just fine.
Please do be patient and be sure your tank is completely cycled.
The other advice I would offer is to lower the temp a couple of degrees… 78 is a bit warm for erectus which I am assuming are the horses you will be receiving. They do better at temps a little lower…. 72 to 75 would be a more comfortable range.
Please do not hesitate to post if you have additional questions or concerns.
Best of luck with your new seahorses!!
Leslie
Ocean Rider, Inc. is an Organic Hawaiian-Based Seahorse Aqua-Farm & Aquarium that Follows Strict Good Farming Practices in Raising Seahorses and Other Aquatic Life.
