Redoing rocks for eels

[splateee]

Hello,

I have a 240 gallon tall 72" x 24" x 31" that i am getting ready to re-do the rock layout and make it more eel freindly. I currently have 2 x snowflakes that are about 24" and a barred eel that is roughly 24". Right now they have made tunnels and i am afraid that i am going to have a rock slide. I am wanting to add pvc for tunnels and try to hide it with the live rock. What size would be best to use? And if anyone has any pics of there eel tanks with pvc tunnels that would be very helpful.

Thank you

 

[Mikeeal]

I remember a dude here who buried some pvc tunnels under his substrate for a zebra eel. Sweet setup.

Either way I'd go with 2 inch if you're plannin on growing them out in there.

 

[huntinweim]

I've done this on a small scale...just make sure snails and hermits have a way to crawl out. I've had more than a few fall in and die

 

[myerst2]

Do you know where I can see some pics of the PVC set up? I have 3 eels currently. A Millaris, Meletremus, and a Snowflake. I am moving the Meletremus and Snowflake to make room for my dream fish. Been wanting this eel since i saw it 15 years ago. I just ordered a really small Japanese Dragon Moray. Should get it in a couple of weeks. Anyway the PVC sounds like a great way to eliminate sand storms and potential rock falls. Regards, Tim

 

[huntinweim]

Its been a LONG time and I can't remember where i saw it.

I made an 'H' shape from 1" PVC I think using t's, then used up turned 45 bendsas the openings. Mine was buried in the sand bed.

You can also add tubes that run up and branch from just about anywhere in the structure. Then use Live Rock and build a structure around it.

**It worked very well when my eel was small. But when I moved him to a larger tank he did not like it at all...used larger tubing, not sure if he was uncomfortable or what.

 

[laf-reef]

I have used 1" PVC with 1/2" diameter holes drilled through it in a random pattern to provide additional flow and eliminate deadspots within the pipe. I laid the pipes on the glass bottom, stacked the rocks (aquascape) and added the sand. My snowflake loved it.... (I no longer have the eel).

 

[myerst2]

Thanks for the advice. Definately going to set a tube system up. Think it's great because you can set it up so that opening is in a spot where you would like to view the eel. Any pics out there of a setup like this? So pumped to get this Japanese Dragon. Been a dream fish for 15 years. Just have to wait now. Tim

 

[myerst2]

Now that I'm thinking about the pipes. You mentioned drilling small holes for water to pass through, but I'm concerned about the eel crapping in the pipes and then just sitting there and not being broken down. What do you think? Tim

 

[laf-reef]

set-up the flow in the tank to pass through the tubes and/or periodically use a power head or a turkey baster to blow water through the tubes to flush them of debris