Eel for a 54g Corner Tank?

crazyfins

crazyfins

New member
Hi all! I have a 54g Aqueon bowfront corner tank set up and am moving in less than a month, at which point I'm transferring my display to a new 75g tank. That said, I still have the supplies necessary to run my 54g tank and would love to put an eel in there by itself. Any suggestions?

If not an eel of some sort, then what about a species only tank of some sort (please, no seahorses or pipefish)?

Thanks in advance! :)
 
I was also thinking about the angler! Cool idea, since they'd eat any other fish I'd put in there. Perfect for a species-only concept. Any specific type of angler you'd recommend for my tank size? I know there are different ones that grow to various sizes.

As far as snowflake eel versus angler, what do you guys personally find to be more entertaining?

Also, is there any merit to a damsel tank? Or will they still all destroy each other in a fairly small tank set-up like the 54g I'm talking about?
 
Both are predators, but eels move a lot more. Most anglers are patient and hang around. If they get hungry they will probably go looking for food. To me, I prefer eels. Make sure you get a tight lid!
 
Okay, so it looks like it's between a Snowflake Eel (Echidna nebulosa) and a Jeweled Moray Eel (Muraena lentiginosa). From a more objective perspective, it seems like the Snowflake Eel would eventually need to be re-homed from the 54g, while the Jeweled Moray Eel may be able to live out its existence in the 54g by itself. Thoughts?

Going from there, is there any special way to arrange the live rock other than caves and maximizing swimming space on the bottom?

Also, is there any particular protein skimmer you'd recommend for this endeavor? And will a 30" T5HO light be sufficient?
 
I had the jeweled moray a few years ago, ended up rehoming after I left college. It was almost 16", Il see if I can find pics. Awesome creature, beautiful markings. Mine was aggressive, but super cool to have. You wont be dissapointed in that choice. They have a thicker body compared to a snowflake and dont get too long. You can always put together different pieces of PVC, and then have rock work above the exits and make it look like they are coming out of the rock. Eels are sensitive, and dont like being very exposed. You can also glue the rocks down, once they get bigger they can shift stuff. Lighting wont really matter, most eels are light/dark based if I am correct- so their vision is not the best. Just dont blast them with light. This tank wont have a sump right? If not get a HOB skimmer, the food will jack your nitrates up as they are messy eaters (but super fun). Also have a tight lid!
 
Wow! That was super informative! :)

What size PVC pipe would you recommend? I'd definitely like to go that route because I see people talk about PVC piping for eels all the time.

I actually have an ESHOPPS RS-75 sump for my 54g tank. Would you still recommend the HOB skimmer with that knowledge? There's not a huge amount of space for a giant skimmer (like I have in my ESHOPPS R-200 sump for my 75g tank), but I could definitely fit something relatively small.

I currently have the matching Aqueon glass lid but would have to figure out how to cover the remaining space (it doesn't completely cover the back corner). I've also read about how eels can push open glass lids with ease. What did you use to keep your tank tightly covered when you had an eel?

Thanks again for all of the solid advice! It's been super helpful!
 
Oops sorry did not know you had a sump. Sorry, the skimmer should be fine. It's just added help to the tank. I'd have to think but 1/2" should be good to start. Keeping the lid on is a must, yes they can push through if need be. You can set objects on top but glass is a great start.
 
You could get an eshopps psk=75 skimmer for that sump, I had the hang on version, good skimmer especially for the price you can't go wrong.

I love anglers, I've had 2 painted anglers and a wartskin, either would be fine in that tank. But the eel will definitely be more entertaining, I think a snowflake would be fine in that size tank.
 
Okay, I ended up buying the ESHOPPS PSK-100H hang-on protein skimmer (rated for 75 to 100 gallons) for my 54g tank. That's the next size up from the PSK-75 version, but I figure it never hurts to have a bigger skimmer.

I'm very interested in the eel idea and would love to hear anyone's input on how to rig a tight-fitting lid. The internet is full of people saying you need a tight-fitting lid, but it's a little light on solutions, ha.

Thanks again for all of the advice! :)
 
The LFS I go to has lots of eels, and he has a solid piece of glas with something heavy sitting on top. Not the most exciting look, but it works.
 
I only kept a snowflake alone many years ago, but when it gets larger, that fish could potentially be food. In a 54 you might find it hard to find a fish that will be large enough to not be potential food. I've seen people even keep them with shrimp somehow, so it'll be up to you if it's risky or not. I think it would be great to have a fish or two swimming around, I like that puffer and what about a dwarf angel.
 
That's what I'm worried about. Although, I was hoping the puffer might be mean enough to ward off the eel. Thoughts?

Are there any dwarf angels large enough to avoid being fish food for the eel while still being happy in a 54g tank? I was going to do just the eel and the puffer. The only reason I even added the idea of the puffer is because I also have a 75g tank that I'm setting up, and the Saddle Valentini Puffer, while sporting a great personality, would likely eat my CUC. Hence, I added it to my 54g tank inhabitant list where there'll be no CUC. Thoughts?

Thanks again! :)
 
Tough call, if you get the eel on the smaller size. The puffer will get to around 4", since you already have him and are making decisions based on that, I might go for it. The two dwarf angels that come to mind that I like are the cherub and the flameback, they get around 3" and are fuller bodied,they would be happy in the 54. If the eel is smaller and eating prepared foods well, as they grow they will be more apt to wait for you to feed them than to wrestle with the puffer. The dwarf angels have attitude as well.

Another note, my snowflake escaped and died, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how he got out. Make sure you secure every nook and cranny around the inlet and outlet of that skimmer.
 
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