peacock eel

Question
we just got  a peacock eel for our tank, my father in law has one and it burrows, eats flake and freeze dried food. He also says the bottom of his tank has never been cleaner. Mine however never burrows just kinda lays in the plants, and hides up at the top by the filter. Also his gill plates seem to be getting red, I don't know if this is normal or not. he never seems to eat, just bloodworms on an occasion. I just was wondering if I'm doing something wrong or if I just have a weird eel?

Answer
Adam,

Since he is new to the tank, he is a bit shy and will hide until he gets used to his new home. I would check your water perimeters and make sure both the ammonia and nitrites are at zero. The redness is usually an indication of ammonia poisoning. If the levels are high, do a 50% water change today. Test the water again tomorrow. If the levels are still up, do another water change. Do this daily until both readings are at zero.