Powerhead ate my pipefish

[Paul B]

I can't believe how stupid I am. Well, yes I can. I have been having a problem losing pipefish for a long time and I couldn't figure out why.
But I did now and I should have realized it which is driving me crazy because I usually see these potential problems. The problem started a couple of years ago when I changed from my ancient 25+ year old powerheads and started using Korilla's. The pumps are fine but they have a bunch of long slots on the sides where the water enters to be pumped out by the propeller.
That slot is the same diameter as most pipefish and pipefish not being the tuna's of the sea, can't pull free once they get stuck in a slot.
Now I think I solved the problem as I glued these acrylic bands around the powerhead. This one is done and I will now do the other one. I still have my dragon faced pipefish but if I had not seen this, He would be toast, or at least pipefish gel. :tongue1:
Now I am trying to get a few more pipefish but of course no one has any.

 

[OOtzie]

Paul I was just reading your tank thread this morning, that stinks ! I've noticed less pipe fish available this time of year, maybe in a month or so you can pick up a few. I hear/read that the blue strip variety tends to be hardier , just a thought.

 

[Paul B]

I have kept bluestripes for many years, they spawn continousely. I just lost a breeding pair and I am fairly certain my powerhead ate them as healthy fish do not disappear. I want another pair of them, more multi banded pipes and some janns. But for some reason, I have a hard time getting them.
(Andy are you reading this? If you can't get me some pipefish I will go to Bali and catch them myself)

Bluestripes at the feeder


Pregnant bluestripe

 

[OOtzie]

Pregnant bluestripe

awesome ! Once i have my new build up and running if the weather permits I'd like to join you on one of your pod collecting excursions.:bablefish

 

[Paul B]

OK, I may go this Tuesday as low tide is 11:00am

 

[Mattl22]

Paul they had some beautiful red striped pipe fish at AV

 

[drej424]

Sorry to hear about your pipefish, Paul. I lost a huge Sebae to a power head once.

 

[rookie07]

Paul, Brilliant Idea!!!

 

[Paul B]

Paul they had some beautiful red striped pipe fish at AV

Not any more, that's where I got it.

Phil, all my ideas are brilliant, the only problem is I get most of them at 3:00am and I forget them by 4:00.
Most of them involve Supermodels so they are kind of useless :frown:

 

[oh207]

Nice project. No more feeding the powerhead!

 

[ohana888]

so sorry to hear...DFS/LA has banded, bluestripe, and dragonface in stock: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=15+267

 

[Paul B]

They have all the pipefish that I want, but they are much more expensive than I get them for and with the shipping they would probably be 3 times more expensive and I don't buy any livestock before I see it so I never buy anything on line. But that is why I can't get those pipefish right now. :bablefish

 

[ohana888]

They have all the pipefish that I want, but they are much more expensive than I get them for and with the shipping they would probably be 3 times more expensive and I don't buy any livestock before I see it so I never buy anything on line. But that is why I can't get those pipefish right now. :bablefish

have andy get in touch with their vendor and do you a solid. :biggrinpa

or maybe get in a group buy with other local reefers...

 

[Paul B]

Andy is trying to get me some.

 

[Paul B]

Unfortunately Andy was not able to get me a multibanded pipefish today but I found a place that has five of them. I bought one and may go back for more. I re tweeked my powerhead by weaving fishing line around the acrylic rings I added to the thing. I will do more tweeking before I get more pipefish.