Snowflake Moray Tank Size?

[Cheebs]

Hey everyone, my first post here. My roomate and I recently bought a 38 gallon tank, which we filled with a variety of freshwater tropical fish, and I have since fallen in love with the hobby. Pictures and descriptions to come!

Anyways, ever since I got into the hobby, I've been fascinated by the whole Oddball thing, and I want to get started with some of my own. I have easy access to Moray Eels and a small variety of stingrays. I want to go with something interesting, but not something I will be overwhelmed with taking care of.

I decided therefore to go with a fairly common choice for eels, or so I hear, the Snowlake Moray. I love the way it looks . The ones I have access to seem to be about 8-10 inches long and in good health. My main question is: What is a safe tank size to begin with? I don't plan on having other inhabitants in the tank, at least not right away. I was wondering if a 30-40 gallon tank might be alright? If so, how long might it take my eel to outgrow it?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks

 

[mark7616]

Firstly its a marine fish. And secondly its gets to about 3ft long. Also there is no such thing as a smaller variety of rays you would still need a wide tank to house rays.

 

[Cheebs]

Firstly its a marine fish. And secondly its gets to about 3ft long. Also there is no such thing as a smaller variety of rays you would still need a wide tank to house rays.

Sorry for the confusion, by small variety of rays I didn't mean that the rays themselves were small, but that I only have access to a couple different species. In any case, I won't be buying a ray, at least not now.

I've done some research and I'm aware that the eel can reach a length of 3 ft. but that doesn't take away from the fact that it isn't even close to that length yet. I won't be afraid to invest in a larger tank when the time comes, so I'm simply wondering if I can start with a smaller tank, or If I should go big right away. I had trouble finding information about life expectancy and growth rate for these eels, so if it will grow to its maximum size in a matter of months, of course I'll opt for the big tank right away, but if that can be avoided all the better, I can use the cash at this time of the year.

Thanks for the input, more is welcome of course.

 

[Fella]

Firstly its a marine fish. And secondly its gets to about 3ft long. Also there is no such thing as a smaller variety of rays you would still need a wide tank to house rays.

There's a high brackish moray often called a snowflake moray, Gymnothorax tile, as well as the black and white snowflake moray which is marine.

 

[mark7616]

Firstly its a marine fish. And secondly its gets to about 3ft long. Also there is no such thing as a smaller variety of rays you would still need a wide tank to house rays.

There's a high brackish moray often called a snowflake moray, Gymnothorax tile, as well as the black and white snowflake moray which is marine.

Ahhh I only know about the marine version not to hot on my brackish fish.

 

[Cheebs]

Firstly its a marine fish. And secondly its gets to about 3ft long. Also there is no such thing as a smaller variety of rays you would still need a wide tank to house rays.

There's a high brackish moray often called a snowflake moray, Gymnothorax tile, as well as the black and white snowflake moray which is marine.

The ones in question, which I have already seen in the store, seems to be the Echidna nebulosa, seen here:

http/saltaquarium.about.com/cs/eelcare/p...nowflakeeel.htm

It seems that it's also called the Clouded Moray Eel, Nebulous Moray Eel, or Starry Moray Eel. Also, if by Marine you mean in Saltwater, I am aware of this too.

 

[mark7616]

Well thats a marine fish and you will need to set up a 75g marine setup.

 

[Cheebs]

So 75g even to start? I'll have to see what funds I can get together.

Any suggestions for a similar Oddball that may put less of a dent in my wallet, at least at first? I'm really into Eels and Rays, but so far it seems I'll need a fairly big tank for most of them. I've already got the tropical fish setup, so I'm really aiming for something unique, perhaps less "fish" like, hehe.

 

[mark7616]

You need to go to the marine section there is no freshwater oddballs that can be kep with them. And it will cost you lots to set it up.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

So 75g even to start? I'll have to see what funds I can get together.

Any suggestions for a similar Oddball that may put less of a dent in my wallet, at least at first? I'm really into Eels and Rays, but so far it seems I'll need a fairly big tank for most of them. I've already got the tropical fish setup, so I'm really aiming for something unique, perhaps less "fish" like, hehe.

you may want to check out the various spiney eels. while not true eels, most laypersons wouldn't guess they were fish. spiney eels come in a variety of sizes ranging from the 10" peacock to the 40" tyre track. they're all excellent escape artists, so you'd have to essentially seal the tank.

--EDIT--
forgot to mention, but all of the spiney eels are 100% freshwater fish.

 

[Stingray12]

A snowflake moray eel is a saltwater aquarium fish. That means that you have to get a saltwater aquarium set-up. If you want this eel you will need at least a 75 gallon,maybe more. A proper saltwater set-up consists of a wet-dry filter or a sump(better), Heater, Live sand, Live rock, Powerheads, Lighting(if corals, t5,MH). You will also need a hydrometer, salt for saltwater aquariums, a test kit. Snowflake eels are one of the nicest eels.

This set-up will cost over 2,000 dollars.

Some LFS sell FW Moray Eels which usually consist of snowflake eels and others. They will survive for a few months in freshwater then die slowly. The need very high brakish or saltwater(preferably).


For the smallest stingray, you will need a 48 length, 30 width.