Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my name is Yuuki and i wish to get an eel, but i'm having trouble deciding what to get. i really like the look of Fire eels, but i read on one of many sites i visited that they are not for beginner fish owners. i've never had fish, other than a goldfish in a ten gallon tank, so i'm working with a major disadvantage. i can't deal with the death of a pet, so i've no interest in something that might die in a month if i don't check the ph of the water multiple times a day.

i know eels like darkness, and i wish to keep one in my bedroom, which is always dark. i know that some eels require a decent sized tank (i have a 40 gallon breeder's tank) because they can get really big, but i'm hoping to find something that peaks at 6 inches so he's comfortable in the tank i have.

i don't plan to get other fish, are eels happy without a mate of some kind?

i can use all the help offered, so please do so.

thanks in advance, Yuuki

Hi Yuuki. Welcome to the boards.
Eels should really be kept by experienced hobbyists only, especially if you don't like your fish to die. There are plenty of other fish that you can gain experience with and then later you will have the experience to care for an eel.
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Phishie,

thank you for the response, i had a feeling that would be my answer. am i that likely to kill an eel? i read that the PH balance of the tank is alright as long as it's not an extreme in any one direction; same with the water temperature. what is it i need to know about fish before i can provide a safe and healthy environment for an eel?

thanks in advance

Yuuki

Eels are not a hardy fish like a goldfish, cichlid, or several others that can be used as starter fishes. That's true about pH and temperature for most fish, some fish this is not the case. Basically, a basic knowledge of fish health (the disease symptoms and how to treat them) is very important, and the routine of tank maintenance.
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."