reef tank compatibility?

[killinit123]

has anyone successfully put seahorses or pipe fish in a reef tank with high flow? i have heard some stories and seen some pictures of this but would like to know directly from someone who has actually accomplished this. thanks

 

[rayjay]

With seahorses, some have succeeded but most fail.
With pipefish, the success rate is higher but it may also depend on the species of pipefish.
For seahorses it needs to be seahorse proofed for tankmates and equipment and then have some luck as well.

 

[killinit123]

With seahorses, some have succeeded but most fail.
With pipefish, the success rate is higher but it may also depend on the species of pipefish.
For seahorses it needs to be seahorse proofed for tankmates and equipment and then have some luck as well.

thanks for the reply. and by seahorse proof what exactly do you mean? i have 2 ocellaris clowns, tomini tang, white taild bristle tooth tang, royal gramma, and a YDG. would these fish cause a problem? for equipment all i have in tank are 2 mp40s. and what pipe fish are easier in a reef than others? I was looking at either janss pipe fish or the dragon face pipe fish. Im aware the janss will probably do better in a reef seeing how its one of the stronger swimmers than the others.. input please

 

[rayjay]

I don't have enough pipefish experience to go further with.
However for seahorses I have over a decade of experience that I can comment on to some degree.
Seahorse proofing includes covering any openings they may get caught in, including intakes, and making sure any output flow is not going to push them against something and damage them.
It means not having them with fish that can irritate them or outcompete them for food, even to just darting around the tank which can often stress a seahorse severely.
I'd never put any of my clowns, royal gramma, or tangs in with any of my seahorses, but then again, I only want seahorses in species specific tanks after earlier problems doing otherwise.
The tank should only have corals that are safe with seahorses as in no stinging tentacles of any kind. No anemone, and I don't recomment clams that can unexpectedly close on a tail that drags across the mantel.
While some have succeeded with other fish in a reef tank, even with non recommended fish, it's safer to go with the flow so to speak.
See the ratings at "The Tankmates Guide".
I've never had an MP 40 but would likely recommend covering it with a mesh to prevent any tail injury.

 

[killinit123]

I don't have enough pipefish experience to go further with.
However for seahorses I have over a decade of experience that I can comment on to some degree.
Seahorse proofing includes covering any openings they may get caught in, including intakes, and making sure any output flow is not going to push them against something and damage them.
It means not having them with fish that can irritate them or outcompete them for food, even to just darting around the tank which can often stress a seahorse severely.
I'd never put any of my clowns, royal gramma, or tangs in with any of my seahorses, but then again, I only want seahorses in species specific tanks after earlier problems doing otherwise.
The tank should only have corals that are safe with seahorses as in no stinging tentacles of any kind. No anemone, and I don't recomment clams that can unexpectedly close on a tail that drags across the mantel.
While some have succeeded with other fish in a reef tank, even with non recommended fish, it's safer to go with the flow so to speak.
See the ratings at "The Tankmates Guide".
I've never had an MP 40 but would likely recommend covering it with a mesh to prevent any tail injury.

really appreciate the informative response. definitely helps a lot!! considering all you have said I may just set up a dedicated seahorse tank. I would not want to put a helpless animal through stress and possible death just for my enjoyment. its not fair to the animal, it seems that it may be safer to try with a pipe fish. thanks again really appreciate it