Snowflake Eel?!?!

[tonymanz412]

I have had plenty of experience with marine collecting. I am currently a freshman in college studying Marine Biology at the University of New Haven. I recently saw a Snowflake Moray Eel in a lfs. It was about 4 inches long and looked pretty health. I was just wondering what size tank I could start him in. In my dorm room we are only allowed a 5 gallon. I haven't started one yet but am wondering if I can house him in that for at least the semester. I have a 29 gallon at home that I will move him to as he grows, and my old high school has a 300 gallon pelagic tank that he can move to if he becomes too large. I am just wondering if its okay to house him alone in the 5 gallon for a little bit. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[SauceBoss]

They grow really fast. You need a 50 gallon (3'x18"x22") footprint minimum to keep it happy and healthy, as it will probably hit the 8" mark and actively patrol the tank. You can incorporate lots of other fish as well. It's all about quality of life.

[rubensito]

I somwhat disagree that they grow really fast...but, the 5 gallon is obviously too small even short-term. However, you can probably keep the small snowflake in the 29 for some time, but keeping in mind to make sure the water quality remains good in a tank that small. You will still need a bigger tank eventually, and you're better off not getting the eel and going with smaller livestock that you can house longterm

[MNfish84]

Mine grew fast. I got him last summer at about 12"and maybe 3/4" diameter. He is now nearing 2 ft and 2" diameter a little over a year later.

[gmate]

Hey Tony, welcome back to Reef Central. If you want to take a drive, I live in Ansonia (about 15 minutes from new haven) and keep two Eels in a 55g bowfront you're more than welcome to see and check out. You'll want a pretty big tank, 5g Pico definitely will not be housing any eel specimens. You could put a BABY golden dwarf moray, but they grow up to a foot and need at least a 30 at maturity (so you'd really, really be pushing it). Best of luck!

Glenn

[SauceBoss]

ah when i said the 8" mark, i meant within the semester. they get big as in a realistic 18"+. Tank size is directly proportionate to quality of life

[tonymanz412]

Thank you soo much for the advice gmate. I would love to come check out your setup sometime. I am not able to setup a tank this semester but next semester I'm hopefully gonna start one. Any suggestions for a small 5 gal? I'm willing to do anything :P