Moral Dilemma

[Tannermule]

I went to my lfs and bought some live rock from them. I was willing to accept any and all hitchhikers that came with it, because it was going to be an aiptasia farming tank.

However once I put the rock into the tank I saw something moving. After looking closer I noticed it was a yellow headed eel. I immediately tried to call the lfs, but they were already closed. They open on Thursday at 12. I've reached out to some of my local buddies and they gave me care tips. It ate last night and as of this morning it is still alive and well.

Going to petco tonight to get a larger tank (currently only in a 10 gallon). I also plan on picking up krill and shrimp. It is about 6 inches.

My question is what would you do?

 

[Uzidaisies]

Let’s see it! My actions would depend on the circumstances. If I could care for it properly I would keep it. How big is the tank? Is it cycled? Any other inhabitants?

 

[Tannermule]

Let’s see it! My actions would depend on the circumstances. If I could care for it properly I would keep it. How big is the tank? Is it cycled? Any other inhabitants?

It is about 6 inches in a 10 gallon, fully cycled and no other inhabitants. I'll try to get a pic tonight. The tank has been up and running for 3 months and was used to clean rock of aiptasia with nudibranch.

 

[kzenoni]

I would have to keep it and call it a bonus

 

[Reefing102]

If you feel you can properly care for it, I would keep it. In my opinion, and this is coming from working at an LFS, it’s their responsibility to ensure there is nothing in or on the rock when it’s sold

I know for me, I’ve gotten numerous hermit crabs and a large brittle star (back in the old days). I even got a free tabling Acropora frag (bought a supposedly dead table piece of live rock that had live tips still).

 

[SlugSnorter]

Dont they need like 120 gallons? I think you should sell or return to lfs

 

[code4]

Time to research it. Then make an informed decision.

 

[Uzidaisies]

If it’s a Fimbriated Moray I think you would need a much larger tank. They are said to reach lengths up to about 30 inches. I’ve seen tank size suggestions ranging from 50-125 gallons. If it were me, I’d want something over 100 gallons.

 

[SlugSnorter]

I went to my lfs and bought some live rock from them. I was willing to accept any and all hitchhikers that came with it, because it was going to be an aiptasia farming tank.

However once I put the rock into the tank I saw something moving. After looking closer I noticed it was a yellow headed eel. I immediately tried to call the lfs, but they were already closed. They open on Thursday at 12. I've reached out to some of my local buddies and they gave me care tips. It ate last night and as of this morning it is still alive and well.

Going to petco tonight to get a larger tank (currently only in a 10 gallon). I also plan on picking up krill and shrimp. It is about 6 inches.

My question is what would you do?

If your getting a 125 gal or so, keep it, if not, don't (sell or return). Those eels can get big

 

[Uzidaisies]

Do you have a picture though?

 

[Tannermule]

Dont they need like 120 gallons? I think you should sell or return to lfs

I totally agree. I am right now talking to someone locally who has a 115 for sale, but I don't want to dive a lot of money into it if I'm just dropping it off again on Thursday.

I would need tank, upgraded heater, stand, and filtration

If it’s a Fimbriated Moray I think you would need a much larger tank. They are said to reach lengths up to about 30 inches. I’ve seen tank size suggestions ranging from 50-125 gallons. If it were me, I’d want something over 100

 

[Tannermule]

Do you have a picture though?

Not a good one but I will try to tonight.

 

[SlugSnorter]

I totally agree. I am right now talking to someone locally who has a 115 for sale, but I don't want to dive a lot of money into it if I'm just dropping it off again on Thursday.

I would need tank, upgraded heater, stand, and filtration

Id recommend getting good and lots of live rock and live sand, as well as Dr. Tims for the fastest potential cycle if you were to get the tank for the eel

 

[Tannermule]

Time to research it. Then make an informed decision.

I've been wanting to get a snowflake eel for a while, but was waiting to move before I got one. When we move we are upgrading from a 55 to a 175 gallon, but that isn't for another 3 months. I am debating on keeping it though because the care is allegedly similar based on what a local hobbyists who keeps both said.

 

[Tannermule]

Id recommend getting good and lots of live rock and live sand, as well as Dr. Tims for the fastest potential cycle if you were to get the tank for the eel

I actually have 55 gal brute cycling for about a month with dry rock, dr tims, saltwater mollies, a heater and circulation pump

 

[ahiggins]

Ah, the ol’ do you return your shopping cart dilemma
I wouldn’t be able to care for it so I would give it back. If I could care for it, they sold it to you “as is” so it’s their problem that they weren’t keeping track of inventory.

 

[SlugSnorter]

I've been wanting to get a snowflake eel for a while, but was waiting to move before I got one. When we move we are upgrading from a 55 to a 175 gallon, but that isn't for another 3 months. I am debating on keeping it though because the care is allegedly similar based on what a local hobbyists who keeps both said.

They are similar, I think the Snowflake is smaller, and more hardy. Remember to have really beefy filtration with these guys either way

 

[blaxsun]

Came for the rocks... left with an eel. Win!

 

[lion king]

If it is a yellow head(fimbriated) they are a fang tooth eel, and there is no comparison to a snowflake. You could keep one alone or with another small fangtooth in a 75g at the minimum, but to keep fish with this eel you would need something in the order of 180g. They will eat any fish you would be able to keep in any smaller tank, they can only be trusted with aggressive broad bodied, quick and tuff fish.

 

[Gtinnel]

From a moral perspective I would treat it like any other hitchhiker, since that is what it is.