Biggest Eel For A 120 Gallon

[That Trinindad Pleco]

Hi, it’s been a while since I posted here but I may soon get a 120 gallon tank. The dimensions will be 48x24x24 I‘ve always wanted to have an eel and this is my first opportunity where I’ll have a new tank with no other fish going in there. I was wondering what the biggest freshwater for life eel I could keep happily for life in a 120 gallon aquarium. I would like the adult eel to reach a minimum size of about 14” but 16”-18” or up would be desirabl. I could also get a 100 gallon that would be 60x18x21 if that would be able to sustain a larger eel better. Thanks Fot All The Help In Advance.

 

[That Trinindad Pleco]

Could I keep a Block Spotted Eel comfort ably in a 120 gallon, however if a 72x18 150 gallon would be better, I could get that instead.

 

[FJB]

I have not had eels and don't even know exactly what is a spotted eel. However, eels are quite capable of getting about in tight spaces and through nooks and crannies. Thus, I would say that the longer the tank, the better, and thus I would rank what you mentioned as 6, 5, and 4 feet, regardless of width and height. I can not imagine an eel having a problem turning around in a 18 inch tank, and would guess that providing cover and places to make the space interesting may be far more important. In fact, I don't think the eel would benefit particularly from the height.
All that said, the 48x24x24 is a sweet tank, which if well decorated would probably be quite suitable.
Again, just my guesses, others more knowledgeable may differ.

 

[That Trinindad Pleco]

Alright thanks for the answer so 6 feet length is better than 2 feet width?

 

[Something Fishy Here]

You can search these forums for eel threads, also go to forums then bottom dwellers then there's a tab for eels and loaches. Good sticky thread on common eel sizes etc. Sorry I've never kept one but there's already a lot of info on this forum.

 

[That Trinindad Pleco]

You can search these forums for eel threads, also go to forums then bottom dwellers then there's a tab for eels and loaches. Good sticky thread on common eel sizes etc. Sorry I've never kept one but there's already a lot of info on this forum.

Ok, I will thanks.

 

[kzimmerman]

I have a spotted eel in a 125, she's not so spotted anymore, and I can't remember what species she is. When they are sold they have a brown body with black spots, but the spots grow and become a mottled sort of appearance. she is about 15-17' long, and loves the 125. I have lots of driftwood so she can have a lot of places to hide, so she is out and about a lot more. Comfortable, healthy and happy. And really fat!

 

[kzimmerman]

I can't find it, but here are some pics. Maybe somebody can chime in.

 

[Simonas]

I've always found eels quite slow growing and also dont utilise the whole tank as say for example my tiger fish which is constantly on the go

If you know you can upgrade in a few years for me you could get a fire eel/tyre track or leopard moray and upgrade as and when they get too big but as I said that would be some way off

 

[kzimmerman]

okay, my computer hates me and will not attach files. I'll try again.