Snowflake eel
- Thread starter Jaywing
- Start date
They commonly reach 20 to 24 inches in captivity. I don't think a 30 gallon would do it. I'd say at least a 125, and a 180 would be better. They're heavy eaters, and with that comes a massive bioload. A larger volume of water, along with redundant filtration, would be needed to accommodate their waste production. Also, since they are capable of eating small fishes, their tankmates will need to be of the larger variety in order to be safe, and therefore, also carry a higher bioload. IME, they grow slowly, so these are max sizes that might take a while to actually happen. Mine has been fine in a 75 for three or four months. He's only grown about an inch, and that's with daily feedings from a turkey baster.
I would never stuff mine into a 30 gallon. I think it would be cruel. Not to mention a lot of work and upkeep that wouldn't be nearly as bad if he was in a larger tank. That's just my opinion.
Confirmed....BlotchI'm sure it would live if taken well care of- and even be happy while small- but I'm getting one for my 125g Predator tank and I feel like thats pushing it once it grows long enough
I'll be the first one to ask if it is a saltwater or a brackish water eel? Are they keeping it in freshwater? If it is a freshwater/brackish water I have mine in a 55 with a toadfish and a needlenose. They all eat fine, have plenty of room and seem pretty spoiled. The eel knows when feeding time is and is extremely entertaining to watch. Just make sure to provide plenty of caves - that is the only issue i see, if you put him in a 30 gallon he might not have enough space because mine seems to like hiding in a different cave every day. Just remember that if you buy it give up to 2 months for it to eat. They are notorious for hunger strikes and mine took 6 weeks to start eating.
In short - 30 might be fine while smaller but when he hits 14 inches or so it'll be time to upgrade.
In short - 30 might be fine while smaller but when he hits 14 inches or so it'll be time to upgrade.