Hello. I previously posted about a getting a Fire Eel as a gift a couple weeks back (see previous thread), but didn't get all the answers I was looking for and was hoping to try again! The current FIre Eel is approximately 12cm and appears to be doing well so far. I had previously inquired about tank size for him, but now I have additional questions.
I had initially planned on getting him a 75 gallon then upgrading him to a 150 gallon in a year (that I already have stored at my parents house), but after talking with a fellow MFKer I decided to go with the 150 right off the bat. WELL, now I've fallen in love with a Rimless 100 gallon square tank (dimensions 37" x 36" x 18") and wanted to know if that would work?? There is also a 175 gallon square (48" x 48" x 16") that I'd consider as well. Everywhere I have read has given me GALLON requirements versus dimensions, so I didn't know what was appropriate. I've read any where from 50 gallon minimum to 120 gallon minimum. The 150 gallon tank's dimensions are 60" x 24" x 25". . it's a nice tank, I'm just not digging the look of it, plus the length is a bit much for the area I'd be keeping it in.
Also, what kind of sand substrate would be best for this new tank? I would like for it to be planted, but I know how FIre Eels can tend to uproot plants while digging. I figured I'd attempt to establish the plants while the tank was cycling. The lights I would be going with are the Marineland LED "Reef capable", most likely 2 or 3 of them. I still haven't picked an appropriate filter yet either, so any recommendations would be appreciated!
I'm trying to get everything researched and purchased as soon as possibly. I want him out of that 15 gallon and into something more appropriate. I called the aquarium place and the next time they will be driving to my area is on the 22nd. So far he seems to be okay though: I've seen him eat blood worms and he will actually take nibbles of shrimp from out of my hand; he has plenty of hiding spots now; and his color looks great. I've been doing regular water changes and my levels are 0 Nitrites and <20 Nitrates. Temperature is at 27 degrees C.
I had initially planned on getting him a 75 gallon then upgrading him to a 150 gallon in a year (that I already have stored at my parents house), but after talking with a fellow MFKer I decided to go with the 150 right off the bat. WELL, now I've fallen in love with a Rimless 100 gallon square tank (dimensions 37" x 36" x 18") and wanted to know if that would work?? There is also a 175 gallon square (48" x 48" x 16") that I'd consider as well. Everywhere I have read has given me GALLON requirements versus dimensions, so I didn't know what was appropriate. I've read any where from 50 gallon minimum to 120 gallon minimum. The 150 gallon tank's dimensions are 60" x 24" x 25". . it's a nice tank, I'm just not digging the look of it, plus the length is a bit much for the area I'd be keeping it in.
Also, what kind of sand substrate would be best for this new tank? I would like for it to be planted, but I know how FIre Eels can tend to uproot plants while digging. I figured I'd attempt to establish the plants while the tank was cycling. The lights I would be going with are the Marineland LED "Reef capable", most likely 2 or 3 of them. I still haven't picked an appropriate filter yet either, so any recommendations would be appreciated!
I'm trying to get everything researched and purchased as soon as possibly. I want him out of that 15 gallon and into something more appropriate. I called the aquarium place and the next time they will be driving to my area is on the 22nd. So far he seems to be okay though: I've seen him eat blood worms and he will actually take nibbles of shrimp from out of my hand; he has plenty of hiding spots now; and his color looks great. I've been doing regular water changes and my levels are 0 Nitrites and <20 Nitrates. Temperature is at 27 degrees C.
