Spiney Eels and Nitrates

[Narwhal]

So it the current tank I keep my spiny eel in (a Mastacembelus frenatus) nitrates are at zero or close to it. That being said I have been planning to upgrade the eel for months now. I have a much larger tank set up, and am currently using it as a holding tank for a few fish, which I used to cycle the system. It has higher nitrates (based on the API Liquid test, somewhere between 40 and 80) and I have seen some flashing and scratching from both the cichlids in the tank and my yoyo loachs. the tank the eel is in is still plenty big for now, so time is not an issue to get some decent algae mixed with plenty of water changes, as the tank is only about a month old and has just started to get brown algae. I know eels are not tolerating of nitrates, but I have heard the same about Yoyo loaches, but they survived the one nitrate crash I have had.
I wanted to ask what conditions would be suitable to move the eel over to the new tank?

 

[thefredpit]

I'd wait until they are steady at 20 or below

 

[tlindsey]

So it the current tank I keep my spiny eel in (a Mastacembelus frenatus) nitrates are at zero or close to it. That being said I have been planning to upgrade the eel for months now. I have a much larger tank set up, and am currently using it as a holding tank for a few fish, which I used to cycle the system. It has higher nitrates (based on the API Liquid test, somewhere between 40 and 80) and I have seen some flashing and scratching from both the cichlids in the tank and my yoyo loachs. the tank the eel is in is still plenty big for now, so time is not an issue to get some decent algae mixed with plenty of water changes, as the tank is only about a month old and has just started to get brown algae. I know eels are not tolerating of nitrates, but I have heard the same about Yoyo loaches, but they survived the one nitrate crash I have had.
I wanted to ask what conditions would be suitable to move the eel over to the new tank?

I personally would just wait a little longer and figure out why your fish are flashing. Also how is the nitrate the Eel is in at zero unless it's not completely cycled.

 

[kno4te]

I would suggest once you can keep stable and consistent readings and below 40. T thefredpit and tlindsey have the right idea.

These eels come from moving water so will need super clean water w/o volatility and oxygen.

 

[Narwhal]

I personally would just wait a little longer and figure out why your fish are flashing. Also how is the nitrate the Eel is in at zero unless it's not completely cycled.

The eel is in a tank that is cycled. I am hoping to move it into a new tank which is about a month old. I am pretty sure the fish are flashing because of nitrates.

I would suggest once you can keep stable and consistent readings and below 40. T thefredpit and tlindsey have the right idea.

These eels come from moving water so will need super clean water w/o volatility and oxygen.

Sounds like a good Idea, will probably try to get it around 20 or lower, just so the water matches.

I have been kind of concerned about the eel getting injured/stuck on the intake of a Fluvial 206. Do Need to cover the intake with anything, or since it is a river fish do I have nothing to really worry about? Or should I Use a Sponge Filter.

 

[kno4te]

The eel is in a tank that is cycled. I am hoping to move it into a new tank which is about a month old. I am pretty sure the fish are flashing because of nitrates.

Sounds like a good Idea, will probably try to get it around 20 or lower, just so the water matches.

I have been kind of concerned about the eel getting injured/stuck on the intake of a Fluvial 206. Do Need to cover the intake with anything, or since it is a river fish do I have nothing to really worry about? Or should I Use a Sponge Filter.

I would keep it covered. Would worry it’ll think it’s a place to hide, that’s my only worry. Would cover with a sponge filter.

 

[Narwhal]

I would keep it covered. Would worry it’ll think it’s a place to hide, that’s my only worry. Would cover with a sponge filter.

The filter does have a cap on the intake that I don't think the eel can fit in-between the bars of

 

[Just Toby]

My fire eel seems to cough if nitrates go above 50ppm so I think they do not like high readings

 

[thefredpit]

to me 40 means time for immediate water change

 

[Just Toby]

I agree in an ideal worl we would be well under 40 ppm. I expect that the majority of Fish keepers are blissfully unaware of their tank water levels and many in the UK probably have never tested their own tap water. Dip strips are a waste of time, you need high quality liquid test kits and keep an eye on the expiry dates.