External Eel cave

jlehigh · #1 05/11/2006, 02:49 PM

Hey,

I'm setting up a 210 gallon L-shaped agressive tank and I was thinking about putting in an external eel cave, similar to how closed loops are plumbed but just simple 90's and maybe a 'T' for a third cave entrance..

Has anbody seen or done this? I am wondering how close to the bottom of the tank I need the cave to be for the eels to still call it home. Does it really have to be ON the bottom? How about a few inches off, maybe 1'??

I have not kept an eel before and I thought it would be cool to have an eel or two popping their heads out from the black back tank wall..

Also a quick Q on their drive to escape.. Are some eels better than others about trying to escape? It a latched lid mandatory?

mitzel · #2 05/11/2006, 03:55 PM

Your idea sounds great to me . I would say keep it simple don't go making a maze all over the tank . keep in mind the adult girth of the eel your contemplating . you don't want it to be too small for the eel to use .

All eels have the posability of going carpet surfing . a good lid is an idea . And I noticed that when I added a moon light to my tank my SFE became alot more dosile

jlehigh · #3 05/11/2006, 04:28 PM

Thanks mitzel,

I think keeping it simple is a good idea too.. especially for maint.

I saw the reccomendation of 3" diameter. I plan on keeping the more common Eels such as a Zebra or Snowflake.. MAYBE a yellow moray but they are $$. Is 3" overkill or truly appropriate for long term use?

I'll definately add some moon lighting

fishman630 · #4 05/11/2006, 10:13 PM

3" may be a bit small for a larger zebra eel. They can get as big as 3" across. I have one about 3" now, which is why I mention it.

Triterium · #5 05/11/2006, 11:50 PM

I use 4" PVC, but i would have gone bigger if home depot had it. I have it burried in a 6-8" DSB.

Thats a great idea to have the PVC external, especially if you can make it leak-proof.

I would definately put a lid on...

stykthyn · #6 05/12/2006, 12:53 AM

eggcrate over the top of the tank works very well also. I would go with 4" that way you can cover all your bases and not worry about your eel growing too large.

jlehigh · #7 05/12/2006, 12:47 PM

Thank guys,

4"!? That's a big Eel

Anyone have a cheap source for good 4" bulkheads?

The openings in the tank are suprisingly small so egg crate will definately do the trick.