Eel in a 20 gal?

[rydr119]

I have a 20gal tank with rock and sand thats part of a 40gal system. Currently there is a chromis in it and nothing else. I would like to get an eel but is 20 gal to small? And what kind of eel would be a good choice?

 

[laf-reef]

20 is too small for an eel

 

[LisaD]

there are a few species of very small moray eels that are suitable for a small tank, but they are either rare in the trade or very expensive. you can find more information in Scott Michael's Reef Fishes volume 1. for the most part, you won't be able to put an eel in a 20.

 

[rydr119]

Thats what I figured but I wanted to ask before trying one. Thanks for the info.

 

[FishyMel]

A g. meletremus would fit in a 20, hard to find though and are around $300

 

[AquaKnight]

What about a garden eel? If the sand bed was deep enough? I've seen online say from a 30gal to a 100gal as recommended tank size. One of the LFS's has had one a display tank for ages now...

 

[tb27272]

There wa a dwarf eel on ebay yesterday for $80, I googled it and found it elsewhere for $350. Only gets about 8-10 inches long. For sale by the diver. indicated that he was found in 90 foot water off the coast of Honolulu.

 

[LisaD]

the golden dwarf moray, G melatremus, is one species that *might* work in a 20. they are usually very expensive, as you discovered. personally, I'd keep one of these in a bigger tank - at least a 30 or a 55...

 

[spotfin]

A chestnut moray would be ok in a 20 gal.