Pipefish question. Can I?

[SquidHC]

I just purchased a Oceanic BioCube 14g for my bedroom and was curious if it would be well suited to be a pipefish tank? I know Id have to do alot more research, but Id just like to know if it would even work before I spent the time to look.

 

[SeaHorsie*03]

Pipefish do best in lower temperatures like 70-74 degrees, I don't think you can get the water that cool with a BioCube. If you got a chiller for it, a pair of pipefish would probably do fine,

 

[acrodave]

i have a pair of blue stripe pipes in a 25 gal sps tank and the temp stays around 79-82 and they are fine

 

[cmsargent]

I think the temp depends upon what type of pipefish you have. The 'reef' pipes such as Janss or banded pipes can tolerate higher temps better than some of the other pipes.

I'd be worried about the small size of the tank. I don't think there would be enough room for the larger reef pipes. Not only do they need swiming room but they'll need to be able to find enough food. You could get lucky and find one who will take frozen but don't count on it.

You could maybe get away with a smaller species like the bluestripped. But I think it'b be on the small size even for them.

 

[rssjsb]

Bluestripes would probably be ok. I agree that bigger pipes would probably not do well in a tank that size. Most cannot be sustained long-term on frozen foods alone.

 

[captainandy]

FWIW - Blue Stripes do eventually grow to a decent size. I threw about 5 into my 200 refugium about 6 months ago. Got them at LiveAquarium when they were 2-3 inches. They're now averaging between 5-6 inches. Also, if you don't have a male/female pair, watchout - males fight day in/day out.

 

[Pea-brain]

Some bluestripes get much bigger than others (subspecies or something). I believe there are some that only get about 2.5 inches. I wouldn't put any pipe except a bluestripe in, and ONLY if it already eats frozens....

Dan