Fire Eel Tank Conditions

[aerthehedgehog]

I have a five year old 27” fire eel who lived in a 72 for 3 years which he outgrew and I now have had him in a 6 ft long 125 for quite some time. He’s grown about 5” since the tank switch and seems very comfortable and active in his current tank, but I have been doing some reading which much says a tank size upgrade is necessary. I’m not sure if I will be able to accommodate this for at least a half a year, though i’m unsure if it is necessary at this point. I want to provide the best quality of life I can but worry I am not providing adequate care. He has a sand substrate, multiple sets of tubes to hide in, floating plants and only a rubber nose pleco and raphael catfish as tank mates. I perform 20% water changes weekly and feed frozen shrimp and scallops every other day. If anyone has more knowledge than me here and can provide some guidance as to whether this care and tank are sufficient or not and any recommendations to further improve his quality of life sharing said knowledge would be greatly appreciated

 

[tlindsey]

I have a five year old 27” fire eel who lived in a 72 for 3 years which he outgrew and I now have had him in a 6 ft long 125 for quite some time. He’s grown about 5” since the tank switch and seems very comfortable and active in his current tank, but I have been doing some reading which much says a tank size upgrade is necessary. I’m not sure if I will be able to accommodate this for at least a half a year, though i’m unsure if it is necessary at this point. I want to provide the best quality of life I can but worry I am not providing adequate care. He has a sand substrate, multiple sets of tubes to hide in, floating plants and only a rubber nose pleco and raphael catfish as tank mates. I perform 20% water changes weekly and feed frozen shrimp and scallops every other day. If anyone has more knowledge than me here and can provide some guidance as to whether this care and tank are sufficient or not and any recommendations to further improve his quality of life sharing said knowledge would be greatly appreciated

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I think you have done well for 5 years under your care. Only thing I can recommend is do larger water changes.

 

[Wabbabe]

I have a five year old 27” fire eel who lived in a 72 for 3 years which he outgrew and I now have had him in a 6 ft long 125 for quite some time. He’s grown about 5” since the tank switch and seems very comfortable and active in his current tank, but I have been doing some reading which much says a tank size upgrade is necessary. I’m not sure if I will be able to accommodate this for at least a half a year, though i’m unsure if it is necessary at this point. I want to provide the best quality of life I can but worry I am not providing adequate care. He has a sand substrate, multiple sets of tubes to hide in, floating plants and only a rubber nose pleco and raphael catfish as tank mates. I perform 20% water changes weekly and feed frozen shrimp and scallops every other day. If anyone has more knowledge than me here and can provide some guidance as to whether this care and tank are sufficient or not and any recommendations to further improve his quality of life sharing said knowledge would be greatly appreciated

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Maybe a cave, or something for the whole body to be in and only the head being exposed. If I recall correctly they feel a lot more comfy having none of their body exposed. Maybe adding another fish or another species for it to observe and be more of a natural environment might help comfort, or help replicate a natural feeling. I am just going off stuff that I have heard, may or may not be true. Just laying out some ideas.