Eel question from a newbie

[SherriSixxx]

Great!

I started the fishless cycle in my tank yesterday, so hopefully won't be too long

However, when I went to a fish shop to buy some plants for the tank, the guy there adviced me there is no point, as the eels will pull them out. So I only bought 1 plant, to see what happens. Hmm, does anybody know if this info is correct?

I got some stones and a few decorations, and will get some more, so the eels have places to hide and sleep. Is it safe to take stones from the park/beach, and wash them in household ammonia and then rinse with water? Or am I better off buying all the stones from the fish shop? In case some harmful bacteria may remain in 'natural' stones?

 

[Jox]

OOO I remember as a child having an eel in my tank for a short wile since a friend of my father owned a restaurant which raised them I think. I don't remember much execpt for it's bites. I guessing for it to be a vicous character. Take pics of it. I'm curious to see one again in a tank

 

[SherriSixxx]

Jox, the eel used to bite you??? Why was that? Was he nervous or were you sticking your hand into his mouth??Oops

CFC, what method do you use for fishing? Am just thinking might there be some damage to the eels throat from the hooks? Not being a fisherman..mean fisherwoman, I don't know much. My tank has been trying to cycle for 2 weeks now (posts n beginners section), so am hoping could get the eels in approx 2 weeks time, if am lucky...And of course depending when is good time fod CFC . Am already getting maternal, hehe, even tho haven't even seen them yet!

 

[CFC]

I will be catching your eel with a net, at low tide eels can be found hiding in water a few inches deep under rocks and stones so you just get the net ready and lift the rock.

 

[SherriSixxx]

Oh, that's fantastic news about catching them with a net! Was just a bit worried being a beginner, I doubt I would make a very good eel-nurse,hihi. What would one give to an eel with a sore throat? Lozengers?? (Only joking, of course!)Can't wait!! Maybe 2 or even 3 child eels, if you manage to catch them, CFC. I'll let you
know when my tank has managed to cycle and is ready. And please let me know how much you want for them!!

 

[SherriSixxx]

Errmh, I know this may sound like madness, and propably is, but is there any large puffer's that would be happy in a fresh water room-temperature tank (18-23C) keeping company to a common pleco and a common eel (Anguilla Anguilla)?? Or would this be asking for trouble? Would one of them end up dead? Also do any of these species get lonely? Would they prefer another fish of the same kind? I know common pleco's are supposed to be happy being the only one, but mine seems a bit lonely being the only fish in a big tank. (In my lfs it was kept with 7 other plecos)

 

[SirMinion]

No. there are no puffers that would be suitable as a tankmate to a coldwater eel.
All freshwater puffers are tropical and predatory.

 

[SherriSixxx]

Ah, that's a pity. Thanks for your reply SirMinion. Was just thinking that as my fave fish (common eels) are night creatures, as is my pleco, would be nice to have 1 cute fish that is swimming around in daytime too. Or mine will look like an empty tank most of the time,haha. Any suggestion on fish that the eel won't eat?