good for pipefish?

[cwilson]

hello,
im thinking of setting up a pipefish tank. the tank i will be getting is 24X24X25 (approx. 65 gal), which would have two small DIY overheads at the top. i will be using a single 150W 14K metal halide along with a 65W power compact. i would like to use my current protien skimmer, and ASM G1-X, and in my sump i would set up a small fuge.

will all of this be too much light and flow for pipes? i would only house other docile fish; the main attraction will definatly be the pipes

thanks to aveyone who will read and respond; any info is always great!!

 

[pledosophy]

Should be a cool tank. Post pics when done.

 

[cwilson]

will do. it'll be a while though. i have to replace my current broken halide for the pendant, which isnt cheap, and i want to have everything i need before i start set-up

 

[mollymonticello]

What kind of pipes? The only pipes I know of that are safe in a reef tank are from the Corythoichthys genus (dragon faced pipes). I'm setting up a reef/pipe tank, too, so I'll be keeping an eye on your progress (and stealing your ideas

 

[pledosophy]

There are quite a few reef safe pipes to choose from.

 

[cwilson]

there is a LFS i will be getting the pipes from. ive seen a few different kinds in there before, all of which were in reef setups. the next time i go there ill be sure to have a chat wiht him about what will be OK and what wouldnt. ive got a few ideas on the setup of the system (sump/fuge design and stand plans), and i plan to post the drawings in a DIY forum, so keep and eye out for that if your interested

ill be sure to keep everyone posted as to what pipes will be purchased, as well as whe all of this will take place

thanks for all the feedback and inforamtion. its always helpful

 

[cwilson]

DIY forum is entitled "60 gallon cube sump and stand (pics)"

 

[jstevenson67]

great choice! i've got a few locally-collected pipes in my "beer can reef" tank. They have surprised me in their adaptability, and seem very happy eating frozen brine shrimp.
They are competing with pinfish, red drum , killifish, gobis, a sea robin and various crustaceans. No problems in a month.
Live rock is illegal to collect here in Florida, so I've opted to give all the critters refuge in "live found materials" like beer cans encrusted in stuff. Plenty of room inthe 55g helps.
Hope for great success, and yes, do post pictures!
j

 

[cwilson]

thanks everyone. my goal is to have purchased the tank and built the stand within hte next 3 weeks. after that i need the single halide, which'll hurt the pocket the most, and then build my sump/fuge. so hopefully within 4-5 weeks everything will be up and running. im taking down my current tank (not much space in my one bedroom duplex), so i am going to be using all of the old LR. im going to keep my four chromis (unless anyone thinks that will be a problem...), so they'll help keep things running smoothly until im ready to put in the pipes. theres one last thing im curious about...

what about my "cleaning crew?" i know sometimes blennies can be really territorial/overall mean (ive had a bad one or two), but i'd still like some algea eaters. what about some inverts, like an emrald crab or two? (Mythrax sculptus). ive had these before and they never seemed to cause trouble, but i really want the pipefish to never feel threatened.

any comments? so far the feedback has been great, and i really appreciate it