50 Gal Moray Eel Tank

[foshizzle11]

Hi all, We saw this awesome guy in the LFS for $40 and just had to have him. We thought $40 was cheap and couldn't miss out on the opportunity.

The LFS was misinformed and said it was freshwater but after some research we decided to but him in brackish and someday convert to salt water. So far we have the moray eel (think it is a snowflake) in the 50 gal. Water temp is 75F, salinity is at 1.010 and all the parameters are good.

We used existing HOB filter since we converted from fresh to brackish just for this guy and setup a 70 gal for the other fish that used to be in the 50 gal, new pool filter sand for substrate and a heater.

We bought a cool cave thing that he raps himself around and hides in. It is big enough to fit his/her 14" long body in and intertwine around as there are various entry points as well. A question for all of you. What type of eel is this based on the pics and any suggestions for plants and other things we should add to the tank?

We are going to be moving out Butis Butis crazy fish over to this tank as well since we learned that they are/can be brackish as well.

Any other tank mates that would go well?

Thank you in advance for any input.

 

[Cichlidfan]

I've seen them being "freshwater" Moray Eels. They are born in freshwater but move to saltwater as they grow. I hate to see them in a freshwater aquarium at the lfs

 

[foshizzle11]

Ya, do we have to move it to a salt water tank eventually or will brackish work for the life of the eel?

We haven't found a straight answer on that.

 

[Cichlidfan]

Ya, do we have to move it to a salt water tank eventually or will brackish work for the life of the eel?

We haven't found a straight answer on that.

Move it to saltwater. The health of the fish would be safer in a saltwater aquarium

 

[bettaowner]

Looks like gymnothorax tile

 

[foshizzle11]

Looks like gymnothorax tile

Done say it will be fine in brackish. Where can I find a good source on this?

 

[Cichlidfan]

Done say it will be fine in brackish. Where can I find a good source on this?

Everything I ever read on them said best to keep them in saltwater only. Just "google" it

 

[foshizzle11]

I did, there are mixed opinions. I can't just rely on one site or one persons opinion on here, no offense.

Right now it is brackish and seems very happy. Has eaten everyday for the last 4 days, we've only had it for 1 week and just put it into the brackish 5 days ago.

Anyway, we will keep it in the brackish and if it doesn't seem to be doing well we will consider converting to SW.

Thanks.

 

[Cichlidfan]

I did, there are mixed opinions. I can't just rely on one site or one persons opinion on here, no offense.

Right now it is brackish and seems very happy. Has eaten everyday for the last 4 days, we've only had it for 1 week and just put it into the brackish 5 days ago.

Anyway, we will keep it in the brackish and if it doesn't seem to be doing well we will consider converting to SW.

Thanks.

Well as long as it's happy then I wouldn't worry. I want one once I start my sw tank. How big is the eel?

 

[foshizzle11]

Right now the eel is about 14-16"

I'm really not sure how big it will get, there seems to be mixed reviews on the one.

 

[foshizzle11]

One more question for everyone. Can we have crabs or any other sorts of things like a lobster or crayfish with the eel or will the eel eat then? Or vice versa?

 

[Cichlidfan]

One more question for everyone. Can we have crabs or any other sorts of things like a lobster or crayfish with the eel or will the eel eat then? Or vice versa?

The get to two feet long and with eat any crustaceans

 

[foshizzle11]

Ya, we figured that.


We will end up getting some red scats and a couple archers. We are building a tank on top of the tank for some plants and crickets so the archers can hunt these guys.

We also want some mangrove trees/plants to grow out of the water. It will be sweet to see the archers killing their food!