Are snowflake eels considered "Reef Safe?" And other questions.
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Duke4Life
Just a crazy eel guy, LMAS
I wouldn't. And yes a zebra is 2 big for what you have, I suggest 180g plus.
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Cowfish928
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I just want to say thank you to everyone who is helping me with all this stuff. I really appreciate it. Everyone is being so nice and throwing all sorts of great ideas and information my way. I don't know when my Fishtank will be ready for fish, but I hope you guys/girls will be here during the process because without you, I would be lost! I really mean it, I know it is just a forum, but it is just so awesome. I hope it is ok that I have a lot more questions, and I feel like I will be posting a lot more on this post. Is that ok with everyone? I just want to make sure that no one is annoyed. Because I still have so much to ask. @Humblefish
@FeliciaLynn @Eienna @Duke4Life @dwebb1031 @tomtom2245 @Nigelk
@Happy Jon @Tankr75
@merlberg @ou12004
@FeliciaLynn @Eienna @Duke4Life @dwebb1031 @tomtom2245 @Nigelk
@Happy Jon @Tankr75
@merlberg @ou12004
FeliciaLynn
Active Member
You're very welcome! This is what the forums are for! Advice and good discussions. 
My snowflake is my first eel and I've only had him for a little over a year, so I'm still learning. Eels are fascinating and I'm always up for discussing experiences and care recommendations.
My snowflake is my first eel and I've only had him for a little over a year, so I'm still learning. Eels are fascinating and I'm always up for discussing experiences and care recommendations.
FeliciaLynn
Active Member
I recommend a mesh lid instead of a glass lid as well. Glass lids get so dirty with water deposits, which will then block your light and so you have to clean them frequently. Glass also doesn't allow for gas exchange, so depending on the rest of your setup you may have issues with poor oxygenation of the water. Also, glass lids prevent evaporation, which is nice for not having to top off as much, but becomes and issue for cooling the tank. Evaporative cooling is really important for keeping a tank from overheating, and mesh lids are great for this.
You can easily make your own mesh lid. You don't need many tools and you don't need much space. You can buy window screen frame, corner pieces, and spline at Home Depot or any hardware store. It's very inexpensive. Then you just need the clear mesh netting like what is sold on Bulk Reef Supply. Don't use regular window screen because it's too dense and dark in color, so it blocks light. I recommend the BRS 1/8" netting for small eels.
I have a mesh lid just like this on my tank with my snowflake eel. You just want to make sure you cut it so that it fits into the rim of your tank without any gaps for the eel to escape. You can set it right down into the rim over the center plastic brace. You should not remove that brace because it's there for the structural integrity of the tank. The mesh lids are light weight, so I was a bit worried the eel could push the lid up and slither under it. To solve this, I just cut pieces of sticky Velcro and used that to stick the frame of the lid to the rim of the tank. That way it's held in place by the Velcro and it takes a bit more force to pull it off.
You can easily make your own mesh lid. You don't need many tools and you don't need much space. You can buy window screen frame, corner pieces, and spline at Home Depot or any hardware store. It's very inexpensive. Then you just need the clear mesh netting like what is sold on Bulk Reef Supply. Don't use regular window screen because it's too dense and dark in color, so it blocks light. I recommend the BRS 1/8" netting for small eels.
I have a mesh lid just like this on my tank with my snowflake eel. You just want to make sure you cut it so that it fits into the rim of your tank without any gaps for the eel to escape. You can set it right down into the rim over the center plastic brace. You should not remove that brace because it's there for the structural integrity of the tank. The mesh lids are light weight, so I was a bit worried the eel could push the lid up and slither under it. To solve this, I just cut pieces of sticky Velcro and used that to stick the frame of the lid to the rim of the tank. That way it's held in place by the Velcro and it takes a bit more force to pull it off.
FeliciaLynn
Active Member
I just went back and looked at your photo of the brace. Is it physically attached to the tank? Or is it just part of that glass lid you have? If it's part of the tank don't remove it and I'd just place a mesh lid right over the brace. If it's part of the glass lid, I'd get rid of that whole thing.
Duke4Life
Just a crazy eel guy, LMAS
I had to edit this, sorry. Wasn't looking at the pictures clearly and obviously didn't again. Leave the brace as it appears attached, especially if glued in and not loose.
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Duke4Life
Just a crazy eel guy, LMAS
Now that my heads on straight:
Your lid needs to be tight on the perimeter, as they will cruise up high. I would highly suggest Velcro with your type of tank as you can get a nice seal on the way around. If like mentioned there are any holes it will go carpet surfing, not uncommon for them to be found in another room (they can live a bit out of water).
Your lid needs to be tight on the perimeter, as they will cruise up high. I would highly suggest Velcro with your type of tank as you can get a nice seal on the way around. If like mentioned there are any holes it will go carpet surfing, not uncommon for them to be found in another room (they can live a bit out of water).
Duke4Life
Just a crazy eel guy, LMAS
Something I'm curious about:
Have/Do any of ya'll that own a snowflake feed LRS "Chunky"? My chainlink wouldn't touch much in it but seems like it would be great food for other eels.
Have/Do any of ya'll that own a snowflake feed LRS "Chunky"? My chainlink wouldn't touch much in it but seems like it would be great food for other eels.
cj in sac ca
Active Member
I have / had two snow flakes. Say baddie to one being mia for a month or so an not being seen. I have fish ranging from 2 inches up to 14 or so inches. Mine has eaten my cleaner clams and some smaller hermits never tried any of my fish and they leave it alone. I try to feed what's called a seafood melody has shrimp squid mussels clams. You can get it at most grocery stores.
As far as canister filters go my LFS owner swears by them on his coral display tank. He has to faint fluvals on it. What he told news take out all the media i.e. Ceramic blocks/ pellets sponges and leave the carbon and different trays. He said put in good carbon and .... Aw crap I can't remember what else!!! Phisoban? Crap it will come to me. But by not having ceramics and poly pads in there it will not hold nitrates etc. good luck and welcome to the hobby
As far as canister filters go my LFS owner swears by them on his coral display tank. He has to faint fluvals on it. What he told news take out all the media i.e. Ceramic blocks/ pellets sponges and leave the carbon and different trays. He said put in good carbon and .... Aw crap I can't remember what else!!! Phisoban? Crap it will come to me. But by not having ceramics and poly pads in there it will not hold nitrates etc. good luck and welcome to the hobby
FeliciaLynn
Active Member
I'd like to try it, but I haven't seen it anywhere locally, so I haven't had a chance. I just make my own "predator blend" for my eel and lionfish. I get fresh seafood from the local seafood market and then chop it into chunks and freeze the blend into serving sized cubes.
I actually just finished making a new batch and getting it in the freezer earlier this evening. This blend has silversides, scallops, salmon, squid, and prawns.
IMG_4772 by Felicia Svedlund, on Flickr
IMG_4773 by Felicia Svedlund, on Flickr
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Cowfish928
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Definitely getting a mesh lid
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-4-netting.html
What size do I purchase? @FeliciaLynn
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-4-netting.html
What size do I purchase? @FeliciaLynn
FeliciaLynn
Active Member
I'd do the 1/8" netting instead of the 1/4" netting. If you get a small eel, you don't want to risk it being able to escape through the mesh. Here's the link to the 1/8" kits.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-8-netting.html
Beyond the size of the mesh, the sizes to choose from are based on how much you need to make a lid for your tank. You need to figure out the dimensions of your tank to decide which size kit to buy. The description says what size lids each kit can make.
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Cowfish928
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Thanks I'll order this soon.
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Cowfish928
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So I talked to my LFS, they can order me a stand for $400. I am excited. I'm saving up, I will buy it soon. Very soon. Also my floor is not even, can I slip stuff under the stand? So it is even? Thanks!
@Duke4Life
@Duke4Life
