Pipefish in a Reef?

Murfman · Mar 3, 2011

So, I have some larger tangs and a Pink Tailed Trigger and some wrasses, think this would be a problem in a 300?

MikeB · Mar 3, 2011

We kept a pair in our tank for over a year. Make sure you have lots of Pods becuase its rare to get them to eat prepared foods.

m and m · Mar 3, 2011

Seahorse will die in a reef for the most part. I though pipe fish couldn't deal with flow well like the seahorse?

drainbamage · Mar 3, 2011

m and m said:
Seahorse will die in a reef for the most part. I though pipe fish couldn't deal with flow well like the seahorse?

Err....that's not accurate really. While they don't like intensive flow, they do quite fine as long as there's some rock structure that breaks up the flow. Something like SunnyX's open reef might be a challenge where there's mostly open water, but the average reef is going to do just fine for them, providing they don't have aggressive tank mates and all those normal conditions (not reef compatability, fish compatibility in that case.)

While they don't like incredibly high flow, they can deal with it- whenever I feed cyclopeeze the female (Munch) doesn't care what speed the vortech's on, she comes right on out to munch on it.

Reef UP · Mar 3, 2011

Mine will eat any prepared food I put in the tank including small pellets and it only took about a week before they took to mysis they are actually very agile in strong currents if you watch them they use their big tail fins like a rudder/sail to take advantage of the the current also someone mentioned lower tank temps my tank is 78-80deg I agree with everyone about the rock work as mine seem to enjoy the overhangs and caves they dart in and out all day long just cruising in and out of the rocks

firereef · Mar 4, 2011

I have two pipe fish in my tank and they are doing great. Ive had them for about four months now. Great fish to look at.

Lateral72 · Apr 8, 2011

When I lived in South Florida, one of the LFS had a pair of banded pipes in their mixed "high-end" coral display tank. Several species of tangs, dottybacks, gramma, wrasses, etc. There was even a pair of Fusiliers in the tank. Unfortunately they stuck very close to the rockwork, but they were very fat and healthy (IMHO).

So it's definitely possible.

Electrobes · Apr 8, 2011

I think it is more the luck of the draw. I remember Aquabucket (RC) added one and had no problems in his predominately LPS tank. he also mentioned he got lucky that it readily ate, unlike most of them.

reeferman · Apr 9, 2011

how about a SPS dominated 120 with 2 mp40s?too much flow?i read on DF&S that the dragonface will eat red bugs.that would be ideal for my tank.

salmonslayer · Apr 26, 2011

Wow. lots of info everyone. looks like i will try one in my reef setup. Thanks all

returnofsid · Apr 28, 2011

salmonslayer said:
Wow. lots of info everyone. looks like i will try one in my reef setup. Thanks all

Good to see you here!!

swannyson7 · Apr 28, 2011

I've got two dragonface pipes in my 180 and they've done fine even with somewhat aggressive fish, several anemones, and a lot of flow.

blacktang · Apr 30, 2011

i got 2 dragon pipefish,they constantly clean my acros

carlosR · May 7, 2011

Wish I could post a photo of my banded pipefish but he/she is largely nocturnal now. I have lots of flow with 5 powerheads, hob skimmer and a canister filter all keeping the water moving. It doesn't seem to bother the pipefish at all. He comes out with the led lights and swims about hunting for pods or other wriggly things. He will readily eat freeze dried cyclopeze. We've had him for over a year, he is plump and very cool.

GoTakuF1 · May 14, 2011

I've had a pair in my reef for years. They lay eggs every so often. Very cool fish!

Nate82 · May 16, 2011

You guys think I can put a pair in my upcoming 45g cube? I was planning on a trained mandarin, but I've always wanted a pair of pipefish. They're just so unique and cool looking.

thewackyreefer · May 28, 2011

I added a pair of banded pipes from Vivid today! Will get some pics up for you guys later.

revhtree · May 28, 2011

I would love to add a pair as well to my new cube.

skinz78 · May 28, 2011

I have often wondered about keeping them in a reef tank, looks like my next fish order might have to have a few in it!

swannyson7 · May 28, 2011

luvmyacans said:
I added a pair of banded pipes from Vivid today! Will get some pics up for you guys later.

Hope they do well for you! My dragonfaces are still doing well and I've thought about adding a couple more pipes. I was actually looking at the banded pipes on DFS, but I'm reluctant because I don't want to wipe out my pod population.