fire eel

Question
QUESTION: I am wanting to add a fire eel to my aquarium. I was planning to put it directly into the 150 gallon providing it's about 8" long, if I have to settle for a smaller one, I have a 30 gallon tank available.
The fish in the 150 consists over 4 parrots, 3 severums all about 5" long, a striped raphael and a 12" pleco.
The fish in the 30 only houses 2 fish, 3" convict and 3" kissing fish. If I put it in the 30, I will eventually move it to the 150 when it reaches 8".
I do weekly water changes and feed them daily.
I have gravel in all the tanks, I read that fire eels prefer sand instead of gravel. Would it survive with gravel? What about the compatability with the other fish?
Thanks, Tim

ANSWER: Hi Tim,
I see no problem with other fish, unless they are very small fish.  However, even when small, the fire eel will not eat them if brought up with them, he will however eat small newcomers.  He is a very friendly fish when well treated.  A fine sandy bottom is a "Must."  This is very important when keeping an eel.  He will hurt himself on gravel, and seeing as they are very subject to fungus if hurt, it is very important to provide him with a fine sandy bottom.  A small cut will rapidly turn to fungus, so check him well everyday, making sure he is not hurt in any way.  Fungus is the main cause of death to eels, and it usually always stems from gravel. Driftwood should also be added to the tank.  
The fire eel eats brine shrimp, and bloodworms, and when he gets bigger earthworms.  Buy your worms at the bait store to be sure there are no pesticides in them.  Clean them by leaving them in oats for a week or so before feeding this to your eel.  Make sure that he is well covered, as he can easily slip through a small hole in the cover of your tank.  You may have problems feeding him at first, so use a baster to feed him.  He will eventually eat out of your hand.
I would strongly recommend that you change your gravel, this is very important to an eel.  Normal gravel will be hard on him, and cause him stress.  They love to dig, and bury themselves, which is why a sandy bottom is so important.
There will also be competition on food between the pleco, and the eel..the pleco must be well fed so that he does not suck on the eel.  Well fed plecos do not usually suck on fish, so feed him well, and make sure your eel and Raphael have enough to eat.  The fire eel is shy at first, and will not compete for food.  Pay lots of attention to him as he grows, and you will be amazed at how friendly this fish can be!
Lynda


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick response. I don't think I will be able to remove the gravel from the 150 tank. I can barely touch the bottom, any suggestions on how to remove the gravel? I do however have another possibility, 55 gallon tank which has a 6" severum, 4" synodontas catfish, several rosey barbs and a clown pleco. Would this be an adequate setup for a fire eel? If I change the gravel to sand, where can I buy black sand?

Answer
The minimum size tank would be 55 - 60 gallons.  He would be better off in the 150 gallon, but I can see your problem.  The only way to do this would be to fill another tank with water from your 150 gallon tank, as much water as possible, then remove your gravel, and change it.  This is not an easy task with a 150 gallon tank!  I see no problem with the fish you have in your 50 gallon tank, as mentioned before, the eel is semi aggressive, but in my experience, found them to be quite friendly.  
Black sand can be found at your Pet Store, if they do not have it on hand, they can order it for you.
Lynda