Garden eels?

[myerst2]

Thinking of doing a display with a DSB and trying garden eels and maybe some other really passive fish. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I saw a current setup on another thread here but thought I would see what others had to say. Also what species are available on the market? Where can I get them? What tankmates would you recommend? Thinking pipefish, cardinals, gobies, etc? Will Jawfish work? Can I do goby and pistol combo with garden eels? Thanks, T

 

[iamwrasseman]

they have a very poor survival rate but once you get a few to live they are fun in a different way . they usually can be seen ,head only but are active when fed . pipefish would be cool too but you cant compete for their food to much as they really dont hunt rather they stay on their burrow and wait for passing food . overall they are alot of work for what you get entertainment wise .yes there are quite a few different ones out there but again you will need to purchase a bunch to end up with a few .

 

[username in use]

I wouldnt include a jawfish or a pistol/goby with them, as they are extremely timid. I have heard that there is some success when you use one way glass on the front of the tank so that they cant see you, just their reflections. I would say some cardinals would be fine if it were the more passive ones (you know, not bangaii's haha).

I also know that country critters had a garden eel at one point that they said was a special order for someone, so they can get them for you, but im sure you know your gonna pay for it. Im not sure what species it was exactly, it was a year ago now.

I would also contact Justin, you know him (deep water tank), Im sure he could get you a pack of them to introduce to the tank all at once which would be ideal. If you go through with it, id love to see it.

 

[tcmfish]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1677284&page=3

 

[iamwrasseman]

anything else that lives mainly on the bottom would not be a good choice IMO. i would not compete for a delicate fishes space in any way .