Ideas for keeping kelp on veggie clip?

[TangingOut]

So within minutes of clipping on a piece of nori, my fishes rip it off and it goes floating all over the tank. For some reason they just love to pick at the base where it's attached. I know some of the more experienced members have modified their clips or added to it to keep this from happening, so share what you have done.

 

[shesacharmer]

I take about a half a sheet and fold it a couple of times and clip it on the folded corner. That gives them more floaty edges to pick at and the clip more to hold onto. At the end of the day nothing is left but the corner in the teeth clip. I slide that over so they can pick at more of it for an afternoon snack. Not a perfect solution but it works better than clipping on an edge.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

I also fold the nori into fourths. It's not as easy for the fish to rip off.

 

[fishchef]

We have a tank of Tangs and I tear the nori into small pieces. Then its mixed with the frozen food with tank water and poured in. All gone in minutes and no fighting. Also you don't have to stick your hand in the tank or search for the clip when they pull it off.

 

[cloak]

+1 on cutting the nori into small pieces before you feed them. You might want to soak them in a cup of water for a few minutes beforehand though. This will keep them from floating away and getting caught in the overflow.

 

[TangingOut]

Tried the folded technique, but it just delayed the inevitable. So some reason they just love to pick at the base where it's clipped. I'll try cutting into pieces and soaking in garlic guard.

 

[Shivsreef]

Don't try soaking in garlic guard as it's a waste of time when you can just buy ocean nutrition which is pre enriched in garlic

 

[Titans_Reef]

I've seen some people make a pocket out of some sort or plastic, kinda like the one for biopellets in the reactor only larger holes. I can't think of the name for it, anyways, they use zipties to close off each side except one side. They just slide the nori into the pocket and attach it to the clip. It would make it harder for them to rip out a big chunk so they have to get small pieces of it at a time. It's supposed to replicate how they graze on LR for algae.

 

[Titans_Reef]

Heres a video from BRS


http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/view/diy-tank-nori-feeder/

 

[TangingOut]

Heres a video from BRS


http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/view/diy-tank-nori-feeder/

This is what I'm talking about. I've seen others here with something similar, but can't seem to find the posts any longer. Anyways, I watched the video and checked the miscellaneous section under food/feeding, but nothing. Home depot and Michaels didn't have it either. Where can I find the material without having to buy 50 yards worth online?

 

[Titans_Reef]

Try a fishing store or walmart, I havent looked for any so im not sure where they will sell it. You can probably look on craigslist for old fishing equipment and buy a cheap net to just cut up and make one or go to your LFS and ask if they know where to get the material from. My LFS doesn't like to sell stuff if someone has it for less since it will sit on the shelf and collect dust so they just tell me where to buy it from.

 

[TangingOut]

I figured it was something similar to those fishing nets with rubber meshing. Just seems like a waste of a good net, but craigslist tip is legit. I'll try that.

 

[rhdoug]

I use the clear mesh netting available from Bulk Reef Supply and make my own pouch by tieing the sides with fishing line. Looks better than zip ties. I also double the netting so it takes longer for them to get at it, and less likely that the whole sheet comes out at once. Held in place with a small cleaning magnet. Slide it up to change/refill, only your fingertips get wet.

 

[shesacharmer]

You could probably use a piece of gutter guard from home depot and make something similar it would just be a little more rigid.

 

[inetmug]

I got a tip from a local about tying the suction cup of the clip to some fishing line, then attach the line to something to hold the clamp. The clamp is free hanging by the line with the nori sheet. The fish love it, as the clip moves in the current, as the nori, it actually seems to stimulate the feeding instinct. I also think the fact that the clip is not suction cupped to the side reduces any fishes leverage on the sheet, which is why I do not need to fold it.

I put a half sheet into the clip, not folded, but fully into the clip, and in about 5 minutes it is history, open the clip, and the remaining piece floats free to a willing diner waiting.

No hands in the tank. I feed one half sheet/day, and normal food.

Cutting it up is probably the best option though as long as you soak it.