Snowflake Eels and Rockwork + Feeding

[Itchy Trigger]

I wanted to get some feedback on how much a snowflake eel is likely to move rock work. My tank is bare bottom, with some pillars and islands, elevated on acrylic posts. There are some pieces of rock that are just piled on top of the islands. Is it likely that once a snowflake gets full grown he'll push these rocks off the pile? Or should I not worry so much about that?

Also, in a tank full of angels, tangs and rabbitfish, all of who go nuts at feeding time, will the eel be able to compete for food? I know they don't need to eat as often as the other fish, but I don't want to have to target feed the eel. If it will need to be target fed, I'll just leave the eel out.

Thoughts?

[Duke4life]

If your worried about the rocks move em, unless you feel they are solid. They love to explore.

You could always make a feeding box instead of target feeding if your worried it won't get food.

[Itchy Trigger]

Thanks. Making a feeding box sounds like more trouble than it's worth. Haha. No eel for me I think. :-)

[anbosu]

They need to be target fed - if they have to hunt for their food they might accidentally get one of your other fish.

[Neebles]

I target feed mine with a pair of long grabber thingies. I turn off the pumps when I feed him so he associates the pumps being off with feeding time and will come out. I leave the pumps on when feeding the rest of the crew. They don't see very well at all but have an awesome sense of smell. They should only eat every few days so I don't see it being a problem with your other fish. Mine tend to stay away when the big feeding stick comes out.

I have a leaf scorpion I feed live ghost shrimp to and every now and then one gets loose in the tank, the eel can smell them and chases them but has yet to catch one. This shows it needs to be spot feed.

I love my eel, he doesn't explore too much, and hasn't done anything to my rock work yet, but he is still small. He is a real cool, colorful addition to my tank.

[Itchy Trigger]

I'll think on it some more. They are such cool fish. Thanks!

[Jr Biologist]

You shouldn't really have to worry about the eel moving much stuff. Really deponds on the sheer size of it. They are so awesome to have !

[rgentry123]

I have a Zebra, and love him. They do need to be target fed but it's not that much of a pain really. All I do is every few days thaw out a whole raw shrimp, put it on a feeding stick, slightly drop it in the tank water and within 30 secs he's coming out of his hole for his dinner

[Neebles]

I like having to target feed the eel. First off, you know they are getting food, and secondly it gets them used to you, not to mention it's typically entertaining to watch. You would be surprised how strong those little buggers are.

[Duke4life]

It's really not that bad feeding, like mentioned it can be fun and entertaining. I get a different reaction depending on what's for breakfast/dinner. I'm a 1st time eel owner 4 weeks in and love it.

Sounds like to me you may have the eel twitch.....lol

[SnoopyDaPimp]

I have a Zebra, and love him. They do need to be target fed but it's not that much of a pain really. All I do is every few days thaw out a whole raw shrimp, put it on a feeding stick, slightly drop it in the tank water and within 30 secs he's coming out of his hole for his dinner

That is about what I do for my zebra. He is on the schedule when I feed the mysis it gets shrimp on that day.