Show us your eels

[Delphinus]

Mine had his first sump surfing lesson last night!!!

THAT didn't take long. I knew something was up last night when he didn't come out for food, but I couldn't find him anywhere and thought, oh well, maybe he's just not hungry. I checked the filter sock in the sump but he was not there. This morning before work, I sat and watched the tank, lights were off still but fish were all active anyhow - I could find everyone but him, so tried food again - nope no reaction. Now I'm sure something's up, so I did a sweep search of the floor 5' from each direction of the tank, checked the filter sock again - nope, nothing ... so I'm checking every nook and cranny to see if he's gotten himself stuck under a rockslide or something. Nothing! Finally catch a glimpse of a yellow tail under the sump return pump.

Sooo... he's back in the DT again but man, that didn't take long (only had him for a month or so). I am *so* relieved I finished off the "eel fence canopy" because I'm sure between a choice of going into the overflow and over the tank, any sane fish would choose the "over the tank" option (the overflows are not really THAT easy to get into). I'm surprised he found his way out of the filter sock, but I'm glad he's safe and sound one way or the other.

Do not, do not, do not (!!!) underestimate these guy's abilities to get out of your tank!!!!! Close off every potential opportunity - it's only a matter of time before they find the ways out IMO..

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Mine had his first sump surfing lesson last night!!!

THAT didn't take long. I knew something was up last night when he didn't come out for food, but I couldn't find him anywhere and thought, oh well, maybe he's just not hungry. I checked the filter sock in the sump but he was not there. This morning before work, I sat and watched the tank, lights were off still but fish were all active anyhow - I could find everyone but him, so tried food again - nope no reaction. Now I'm sure something's up, so I did a sweep search of the floor 5' from each direction of the tank, checked the filter sock again - nope, nothing ... so I'm checking every nook and cranny to see if he's gotten himself stuck under a rockslide or something. Nothing! Finally catch a glimpse of a yellow tail under the sump return pump.

Sooo... he's back in the DT again but man, that didn't take long (only had him for a month or so). I am *so* relieved I finished off the "eel fence canopy" because I'm sure between a choice of going into the overflow and over the tank, any sane fish would choose the "over the tank" option (the overflows are not really THAT easy to get into). I'm surprised he found his way out of the filter sock, but I'm glad he's safe and sound one way or the other.

Do not, do not, do not (!!!) underestimate these guy's abilities to get out of your tank!!!!! Close off every potential opportunity - it's only a matter of time before they find the ways out IMO..

So glad I put gutter guard up around my overflow. Although mine barely pokes his head out of the rock he lives in. I have a "feeding" station now in that rock. I stuff food into one hole of the rock and he moves from his spot to eat it, then he goes back to his spot again. Everynow and then he will go into a different rock (there are 3 he likes) but the one I feed him the most in is the one he likes the best.

[Delphinus]

I probably should have mentioned that I have gutter guards on my overflows already.

I think basically unless it's glued down they'll find a way.

The bottom line though is I'd rather he find his way into the overflow and eventually the sump, rather than the floor. Inconvenience (of having to fish him out of there) trumps heartbreak.

[whatcaneyedo]

[Delphinus]

That's awesome! How long is he?

Nice Gorgonia ventilana in the background too.

[whatcaneyedo]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

That's awesome! How long is he?

Nice Gorgonia ventilana in the background too.

I've had the snowflake for about 4 years. He is just over 2' but rarely comes out in full view to show off his length or to have his picture taken...

I'm very happy with the gorgonia ventilana. A friend and I ordered one each from The Reef Shoppe back in January not knowing if they would do very well. But its coming along just fine and has added about 1" of new growth all the way around.

[Delphinus]