How to Make a Fresh Water Eel Tank

Freshwater eels are a group of fish that have long eel-type bodies and similar diets, but are not necessarily true, marine eels. Freshwater eels are known to be excellent at escaping from their aquariums, so be mindful. There are many different types of freshwater eels including African spiny eels, black spotted eels, electric eels, half-banded spiny eels, peacock eels, purple spaghetti eels, tiretrack eels and the zig zag eels.

Things You'll Need

  • Your freshwater eel of choice
  • 20 gallon or larger tank
  • Water
  • Fish for cycling the tank
  • Water purifier
  • Aquarium Light
  • Filter
  • Rocks
  • Aquarium cover
  • Substrate
  • Tank Heater (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase your tank and fill with water. Set the tank up with an aquarium light, filter and, if necessary, a heater. Add water purifier to the tank and let sit for ten minutes.

    • 2

      Add decorations, such as caves and rocks. Cover the bottom of the tank with substrate. You can use little pebbles or gravel for the tank's substrate.

    • 3

      Add the fish you want to use for cycling the tank. Cycling a tank is essential to the health of your eel, as it creates good bacteria and a natural filter to remove harmful toxins created by your eel's metabolism. Some recommendations of good fish for cycling are white clouds and zebra danios.

    • 4

      Cycle your tank for six to eight weeks to create appropiate ammonia and nitrate levels. Do a 10 to 15 percent water change once a day during the cycling.

    • 5

      Test the water after the tank has cycled to ensure that the ammonia and nitrate levels are good. Take a sample of the water to your local fish store and have them test it or purchase your own at-home water test kit. The kit comes with a test strip that is color-coded and easy to read. There should be no ammonia or nitrate in your tank. If your water is safe, proceed by adding your freshwater eel to her new home. Decide whether to keep or remove the fish used for cycling the tank. Add a secure aquarium cover to the tank, making sure there are no holes where your new pet can escape.