Eel and Bioload

[SkinnyPete]

Thinking about an eel (either zebra or snowflake) eventually for my new 110 gallon. I'm trying to plan for my bioload and figure out how many fish I can include with the eel. The zebra is pretty expensive, so I'll probably get him last. Since the eels get so big, is that going to radically effect my bioload? I thought I read that the general rule of thumb is an inch of fish (minus tail) for every 5 gallons - and 4 inches of eel counts as 1 inch of fish? Or am I completely making that up?

- Skinny

[Hara]

eels definitely add to the bioload more than most community fish. They also have a bad tendency to topple rock, dig pits in the sandbed and eat things you dont want them to eat. As far as your mathematical formula goes, I am not sure I agree with that. Unless you have a great skimmer, and do frequent water changes,I would say that the eel will account for at least 50 gallons of your tank. This is from my experiences with eels only....

[SkinnyPete]

Wow, thanks Hara. You've helped me a lot with my eel questions - and I've had a lot. I just want to do this right. Maybe a snowflake might be more my speed as far as size goes because I do want a few fish in the tank too. The zebra is just such a cool eel - I've always wanted one.

One more question, I'm a little worried about my skimmer. I absolutely CANT do a sump, unfortunately - due to space restrictions. I got the AquaC Remora Pro with preskimmer box. I keep getting mixed feedback about it. Is this skimmer underrated for my tank? Some sites say up to 120, some say 90, some say 75+.

Thanks all.

[Hara]

My snowflake is just under 3 feet in length and very thick. They are not a "small" eel when fully grown. Of course, yours will start much smaller, but they do grow fast.
As far as skimmer choice, I have no experience with the aquac, so I hesitate to comment. I have three aquamedic turbofloaters on assorted tanks. My eel tank has 4 eels in it and the skimmer seems to be able to handle it. Wish I could help you more.

If you have the dollars to spend, there are some smaller eels that may suit you
better, but they are usually a bit more pricey as well.

[ogden10]

Pete,
I have a snowflake in a 110g tank with 2 triggers and a lion and a porc puffer. My SFE is about 18 inches long and prob an inch or an inch and half thick. I use the same skimmer as you and find it keeps up with the bio-load just fine. I do a water change about once every 2 - 3 weeks and never have water quality issues. For the record I never have had issues with Hector (my eel) being destructive, in fact some night he will eat right of my fingers.

In fact the only problem I have ever had with him is trying to cinvince my wife that it is not a "snake in the water"

[SkinnyPete]

Thanks, ogden - and Hara. I'll have to decide. I do really want an eel. I've always had one - even in fresh water tanks. Just always wanted a zebra. Will see how it goes, maybe get a real small one so that I have a little while longer before it outgrows me.

Thanks again

- Skins