Which Eel is best in Reef Tank??

[bostontim]

I was going to purchase an eel. I have researched about the coral compatibility and I have friends who have cleaner shrimp with eels with no problems. My question is this:

With a pair of clowns and a goby, Can I get away with a snowflake or do I need a Zebra eel which doesnt have any interest in small fish???

 

[Myk]

I think the Snowflake would not be the best choice. Probably would go after the Goby at some point.

Zebra would make a better choice.

A bit more expensive but usually safe are Haw. dwarf canary Eels, real sweet looking. A buddy of mine had one that shared a lair with a Yasha Hashe Gboy. That was a really neat combo.

-B-

 

[rusty18]

I have a zebra that is awesome, (Thanks Aquarium Gallery), if you can spend a little more cash for one definitely worth it. I was a little hesitant at first but really happy that I got him in the end. He doesn't bother anything, every now and than when I feed him a dove tail snail will try and eat the silverside and since the eel can't see to well he goes after the snail on the food. Its pretty funny actually and he has never harmed the snail always just spits him aside. A really cool addition to a reef and probably my favorite fish.

 

[Scott G]

I have a snowflake that right now is in my fuge. He is really just a baby, and I am planning on maybe moving him to the main once he is bigger. By far my favorite creature, so much fun to feed!!

 

[marco67]

A buddy here has a 18" snowflake in a 180 reef. he shares his den with a harem of anthius and 2 blood shrimp, other tank mates are about 6-8 fairy and flashers a pair of clowns and a citron goby.

My snowflake who is as big as my wrist now and about 30” will have no part of wrasses… err um actually likes them real good ,
But has lived with a couple of damsels and algae blennies for a couple of years now.

It’s cool what you say about the zebra –B- they are much less common and therefore cooler.

And of course the canary and yasha....now that so odd even the thanksgiving guests would pick up on it.

 

[bostontim]

hmmm. I'm torn. I really want one. I was worried about the cleaner srimp and small fish but it seems like as long as they are established first I could be ok. I just don't know which to go with, the snowflake or the zebra.

 

[RichConley]

B, I agree with you that the Hawaiin dwarf moray is one of the best choices.


That being said, theyre definitely not 100% safe. Chris (Agent6473) bought one a while back, and lost a firefish, and a couple of other small fish. Small cylindrical fish of that shape seemed to be the issue.


So, the dwarf is a good choice, but its still somewhat of a risk.

 

[bostontim]

Anyone here actually have a snowflake eat their goby or cleaner shrimp?? I think I like the look of the zebra better but I also think it will outgrow my 75 faster than the snowflake and I dont plan on upgraded for at least a year. Plus I spent a little to much money at AG last week (and have to go back tomorrow for more lol) so the snowflakes price is a little better.

 

[rusty18]

Eels don't move around all that much and don't need to be in a huge tank necessarily. I would only be worried about your small fish/shrimp if you don't feed him often enough or if he is pretty big (20" or so) Here is a pic of my zebra under actinics.

 

[bostontim]

Eels don't move around all that much and don't need to be in a huge tank necessarily. I would only be worried about your small fish/shrimp if you don't feed him often enough or if he is pretty big (20" or so) Here is a pic of my zebra under actinics.

So do u suggest just waiting for awhile and getting a zebra instead of the snowflake??

 

[Scott G]

Actually, I put a few hermits in my eel's tank to see if he would tolerate them. A couple days later, they're still alive.

 

[bostontim]

Actually, I put a few hermits in my eel's tank to see if he would tolerate them. A couple days later, they're still alive.

I was actually considering buying the snowflake and putting him in the qt with a couple hermits I have in there and see what happens. But now I am torn again between it and the zebra.

 

[Rays]

Snowflakes are fantastic! I've had a couple over several years, my last one went from 10" to 22 1/2". I fed mine raw cocktail shrimp and raw fish, that's the secret, keeping them full! I had fish as small as Royal Gramma and Mandarin, he never bothered them or inverts. If they become overly active, that means they are HUNGRY when they are hungry and you don't feed them, you run the risk of escape and carpet surfing or losing smaller fish. But, they are wonderful eels.

 

[B.rian]

zebras are so sweet. i would definitely recommend the zebra. but they do get quite large. unless you have a large tank, don't get one. i would say a minimum of 75 or 90g for one.

 

[reefsmurf]

that hawaiian dwarf yellow is awesome. $350 at the marinecenter from a quick google. ouch

 

[bostontim]

that hawaiian dwarf yellow is awesome. $350 at the marinecenter from a quick google. ouch

Yah I saw that. Very expensive.

btw I tried to pm you but your box was full.

 

[rusty18]

I don't think a snowflake will hurt a snail or hermit so much (and if its does eat a few thats really not a big deal at all is it?) maybe a small non active fish or shrimp. If you keep it fed like said above he will most likely leave your fish alone. I personally like the zebras a lot, not many people have them ( snowflake is the most common eel) and they are prob the most reef compatible eel you can get. A snowflake is prob going to be fine but every eel is different and you can't be 100% he won't ever go after a small fish. I think a zebra will be ok in your 75gal for a while as long as you don't plan to add a lot more fish and inverts. If you don't want to spend to much $ go with the snowflake, if you have the $ go for the zebra IMO. Good luck and post pics of what you end up going with.

 

[Scott G]

Here's a pic of mine

 

[stevenp]

I would imagine that removing an eel from an established aquarium would be pretty challenging? I'd like to put one in my tank but I'd be concerned about catching it in the event it becomes a problem.

Can anyone comment on how difficult it is to remove one?

 

[TomD]

I would imagine that removing an eel from an established aquarium would be pretty challenging? I'd like to put one in my tank but I'd be concerned about catching it in the event it becomes a problem.

Can anyone comment on how difficult it is to remove one?

I am interested in that as well...appears it would be a task for sure!