So what are some ideas you eel keepers out there have for eel proofing your tanks? I currently just made an acrylic top for my tank but with hob filters there is still a space big enough for him to get out of. I have a screen from a window in the cracks right now. Is this harmful to the fish or would this work? Any experiences or ideas will be much appreciated!
Eel proofing
- Thread starter jwalkerafc7
- Start date
I wouldn't even use HOBs with eels (we are talking spiny eels here right?). I would use a canister and cut holes small enough that you literally have to squeeze on the intake/output hoses, and secure the lids somehow, with weight on top of the lids if the eel is anywhere over the 12" mark. I lost a fire eel to jumping from a VERY tight lid. You can also drop the water level a couple inches.
I did the same for my Fire Eel using a clear polystyrene sheet for an inner lid/condensation trays cut tightly to size and I made sure I securely fitted the filter intake guards although he is pushing for 2' now so that isn't much of an issue anymore.
My problems at first were getting him to eat, it was just over a week before he ate for me and now he will only eat prawns or worms and he seems to need a lot of oxygen in the water compared to the other fish, with the two filters going the other fish are fine but the Eel will still be gasping and coming to the surface so I have to direct the filter returns so it is spraying above the surface and splashing back down and he seems ok with that.
How big is your Eel?
My problems at first were getting him to eat, it was just over a week before he ate for me and now he will only eat prawns or worms and he seems to need a lot of oxygen in the water compared to the other fish, with the two filters going the other fish are fine but the Eel will still be gasping and coming to the surface so I have to direct the filter returns so it is spraying above the surface and splashing back down and he seems ok with that.
How big is your Eel?
Couldn't of said that better myself, I lost a juvi tire track in the gap between the hob and the corner of the tank.. literally 2 inch. Lesson learned. Use a canister.
you can use hang overs but you really need to use the plastic strips mon the back of the tank and make sure it is tight against the overflow. fire, tire, any, love to find ways into your hob filters. ive never lost one but i have found quite a few int the filter itself wich is easy for it to escape and fall out. canister is the best way but if your already using an ac, penguib, emp,,,, you can make it work
it isnt any of the spiny eel species. its an unknown species that the owner of my lfs caught in a stream in paraguay. it reminds me much more of a freshwater moray than anything. it has a rounded face and not a pointed face and skinny body like the spinys.
here are some crappy pics. sorry!
anyone know the species?
here are some crappy pics. sorry!
anyone know the species?