Pipefish in a mixed reef?

[wii64brawl]

I even just witnessed my cleaner shrimp try to grab some food under one of the maxi minis. It immediately retracted. Also, the one that was sticking out in the water column moved and is now pressed against a rock, and surrounded by other rocks. And the other one it pressed up against the glass in the bottom corner.

And my solorensis wrasse just swam through the rock anemone multiple times and is fine.

If my LFS gets a bluestripe thats eating frozen in, I think I'll try it.

 

[wii64brawl]

Would a banded be okay with my tank size? My tank is a rsm130, so about 30 gallons. I like banded's more than bluestripe's, personally.

 

[FlammySnake]

I have certainly lost fish to maxi-mini anemones. With that said, I have little doubt a Bluestripe can navigate easily around them. As far as whether a banded will do well in that tank, I personally wouldn't try it. Having frequently worked with them, I find they rely far more on in-tank fauna than the bluestripes. I've always had a great deal of trouble trying to teach them to eat. The other advantage to the bluestripes are size. I've seen some fairly large banded pipes, with the smaller ones still making the bluestripes look tiny. Bluestripes are easily your best option, in my opinion.

 

[rssjsb]

Would a banded be okay with my tank size? My tank is a rsm130, so about 30 gallons. I like banded's more than bluestripe's, personally.

personally, I think it is unlikely that a 30 gallon tank is big enough to give you the margin for error on feeding that you need with a larger pipe. Do you have a refugium?

 

[wii64brawl]

Nope... I guess I'll stick with the bluestripe. Thanks.

 

[wii64brawl]

Would a pair be better? Would they be more comfortable?

 

[italeri]

Hey, I have a pair of bluestripes in my 125 reef. I have 1 tube anemone, and 8 mini maxis. I also have a hammer, a couple acans and the rest is acros and montis. My bluestripes don't come out much, but when I feed they pick out all the bits and pieces of brine and mysis that my other fish dont eat. I have had them for about 5 months now, and they have not had a problem

 

[italeri]

Hey, I have a pair of bluestripes in my 125 reef. I have 1 tube anemone, and 8 mini maxis. I also have a hammer, a couple acans and the rest is acros and montis. My bluestripes don't come out much, but when I feed they pick out all the bits and pieces of brine and mysis that my other fish dont eat. I have had them for about 5 months now, and they have not had a problem

To add to what I alread said, my bluestripes steer clear of both my maxi garden, as well as the tube anemone. They are very smart fish and fun to have IMO :thumbsup:

 

[Paul B]

I have been keeping bluestripes in my mixed reef for years. They spawn frequently but an anemone would kill them. I even lost adult seahorses to anemones. They are lousy swimmers and would most of the time stay away from anemones but I would be wary.