Garden Eels

[23fabe23]

I recently picked up another aquarium, like I NEED another one! This makes number 3. I currently have all the reef and reef inhabitants that i could ever want. I am looking to possibly do a couple garden eel with possibly a splendid garden eel. Has anyone done this and had success that could offer some advice or know the pitfalls I should avoid?

Thanks

 

[Small triggers]

The biggest problem with garden eels is they are sooo fragile in shipping...if you can find someone good to get them through that will give you a 24 hr guarantee your half way there...

 

[eatbreakfast]

+1 above, they also need 3+" sand bed, about 10" of sand space inbetween each other, fine foods like cyclopeeze, and if adding other fish, docile slow moving ones that wont outcompete them for food, or intimidate them into their burrows.

 

[23fabe23]

ok thanks for the input. would they be ok with a cat shark? he basically sits in the tank all day in the same spot. I would imagine when he is active they would be burrowed. Maybe thinking of adding a lion fish as well but not sure on that.

 

[zoechance]

I have seen "gardens" of them while scuba diving in Indonesia. THey are a wonderful site to see. They are very timid though and disappear into their burrow quite easily….

 

[Small triggers]

I wouldn't put them in a tank with a cat shark...he would see them as prey...same with the lionfish...
I'd say something's like pipefish or other timid slow moving fish...

 

[Cadbury]

Ive had two for almost two years now, I have a awesom pic with the two sticking out along with my Blue dotted Jawfish! The only thing I have to say is, that they are escape artist, so make sure you have no openings. Mine got in my Pre-Filter a few times....
Good Luck

 

[Intricateart]

Ive had two for almost two years now, I have a awesom pic with the two sticking out along with my Blue dotted Jawfish! The only thing I have to say is, that they are escape artist, so make sure you have no openings. Mine got in my Pre-Filter a few times....
Good Luck

Would love to see that pic! My wife and i have been looking for those for over a year.

 

[Cadbury]

Let me know if you could see it....

 

[Intricateart]

Awesome pic! Can't wait to show her tonite. We have a really deep sand bed about 1 1/2yrs old in our 150 just waiting for them. Also love the jawfish. Hmmm, wonder if our Yellow Watchman goby would be okay with the jawfish? Thanks

 

[Cadbury]

More than likely No, but it maybe cause it's a big tank, don't know if you'd wanna take the chance?
Hope you and the wife enjoy the pic, good luck

 

[Tahoe61]

That is a very awesome pic!

 

[Cadbury]

Thanks

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Sweet photo!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Always loved this image.

image source imgday.com

 

[shred5]

I always thought they did best with a 6 to 10 inch sandbed...

 

[Adam Baggett]

Yes they need a very deep sandbed because they like to be vertical in their burrows. They don't like to curl up much.

 

[Wes]

Bought one from my LFS 2 or 3 months ago, he eats brine and mysis with everyone else. He is a bit skiddish when the other fish get close but he does well for himself. He buried right in front so it's easy to watch him when he is out bobbing his head. The same LFS has had a pair in a display for over a year, the sand bed is about 4" or so, as is mine.

 

[jnotjane]

I love your pic! jawfish are so much fun. Now I want a garden eel tank...

 

[Cadbury]

Thanks