Red Bugs and Dragon Face Pipefish

[bkv1997]

Says here Dragon Face Pipefish eat Red Bugs.....

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=282

"This species of pipefish has been found to consume the micro-amphipod commonly referred to as the dreaded "Red Bugs" that have now become prevalent in reef aquariums that contain Acropora coral."

Can anyone here validate this??? First I have heard of it.

Also how do these do in a reef tank with lots of turnover and what are you guys feeding them?

I don't have RBs, but have always liked the look of Pipefish and have thought abou getting a couple. If this turns out to be true I might give it a try.

Thanks
Brandon

[drock59]

I think it is kind of hit and miss with them. SOme eat bugs, some dont.

[bkv1997]

Yea but how do they handle the flow from tunze, etc...

Also what do people supplement their diets with?

[Ranat1]

Yeah flow has been my concern. How much can they take. Or rather how much can they do well in. With 2 seio 1100's and a 1200 mag in a 54 corner I am not sure there is any chance they would make it. What do you you guys have them in?

[bkv1997]

I have mine in a 55.

I have 2 SIEO 800s and a Quite one 4000HH attached to a Sea Swirl and mine have no problem with the current.

However I am worried I might not be giving them the food they need.

Brandon

[Ranat1]

How long have you had them? What are you feeding them? Any potential problems you noticed?

[bkv1997]

I have only had mine since Saturday.

I am feeding lots of things currently just to make sure there is enough food. Hikari Frozen Brine, Hikari Frozen Mysis, Live Brine All the above I believe are too big for them they just watch it go by.

My best results seem to come from frozen cyclopeeze and stopping all current for 15 minutes during feeding.

Brandon

[Me No Nemo]

I'm getting one to keep in my sps tanks as a precaution against red bugs as well. I've never kept one before but I have read several references that claim they eat red bugs.

[bkv1997]

Kinda what I did also.

However based on watching mine I would recommend on more than one. They most defenitly like hanging out together, I purchased 3 in my 55. They are about 3-4 inches long and about as big around as the cord that comes out of your mouse.

Small critters for sure.

If anyone has had any success with these and information to share I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Brandon

[panic]

Will they munch on polyps?

[Ranat1]

Doubt it. They don't really "munch" on anything. They suck meaty things through their hose like mouths turning them into protein shakes. A polyp would not be easy for them to get down.

[bkv1997]

Ha if anything they kinda help my PE..... Keeps the Flame Angel away from the coral it sits under.....

Have a new tank going up in the next month and the Flame Angel won't be making the trip over.

The TOTM has some of these in his tank. I can't say for sure, but I would doubt these cause any irritation to the Coral... If any it would be from holding onto it.

B

[Dan Fagan]

Tried them on a couple of occasions for RB's. Never touched them. Tried to feed them w/ just about everything including live brine, cyclopeeze, daphnia...They did not last long in my tank...