SFE Sizing question

[mrmophandle]

I've searched through what feels like hundreds of posts looking for this answer, and thus far, have been unable to figure it out. Also, I'm the new kid here, go easy.

I'm in the process of setting up a 72g bow front with a 20g sump, and wanted to ultimately get a Snowflake Eel. I recently ran across a post from SantaMonica in which he has pictures of 'eel tubes'. What a GREAT idea!
His eel tubes look like 1.5" or 2" in diameter, which is probably perfect for a ribbon eel (tiny in diameter compared to it's length). Snowflake Eels seem to get a little thicker. My question is this. If I wanted to construct eel tubes for a Snowflake, what diameter would I use to ensure my lil guy doesn't get stuck? Ideally, I'd like to use one size and stick with it, but I fear I'll probably need a smaller diameter to start with, and increase it's diameter as he gets bigger.
Thanks again for your time,

MrMophandle

 

[cagrn]

I looked for an answer to your question in my eel book. All I could come up with is that eels feel secure with their hideouts touching all sides of them. Thus the recommendation in the book is to simply get a larger size piece of pipe as the eel grows. Your start size would have to depend on your first specimen. The setup you refer to for the ribbon moray is great. I am going to do something like that when I get my larger tank for my eel - I may even try to sneak a piece of tube in the tank it is in now just to give it a try.
Sorry I can't give you something more definate.

 

[sharkboy13]

id say 3" would be best

 

[mrmophandle]

3" seems a bit large for a lil guy. The SFE's I've seen are no bigger than a pencil. I'll admit I've never seen a fully mature SFE, so I have no idea how thick they get.

 

[mitsutech]

Originally Posted by mrmophandle
3" seems a bit large for a lil guy. The SFE's I've seen are no bigger than a pencil. I'll admit I've never seen a fully mature SFE, so I have no idea how thick they get.
A 3 inch diameter is a good size the ones you have seen are juveniles adults can be around 3 feet with a long life span.take in consideration the commitment to a eel as well as the bioload also not all eels go by the manual my uncles snowflake killed a stone fish and a volitan and is now 13 years old.You are going the right route with wanting hiding places to make them secure also keep them well fed when young as they mature the metabolism will slow down and make things alittle easier as far as bioload and feeding go.I love eels and a snowflake is a great first choice good luck!

 

[madwabbit]

Umm. Maybe I'm going to get flamed for this, but its an honest question.
I've got an SFE in a 125 with a volitan, and I dont have -any- piping for the eel or whatever. Are you saying you put a piece of pipe under the sandbed for him to chill in? Mine just kinda wiggles thru the sand/rock and accomplishes the same thing naturally. Maybe Im missing something here, please elaborate!
:notsure:

 

[mitsutech]

Originally Posted by Madwabbit
Umm. Maybe I'm going to get flamed for this, but its an honest question.
I've got an SFE in a 125 with a volitan, and I dont have -any- piping for the eel or whatever. Are you saying you put a piece of pipe under the sandbed for him to chill in? Mine just kinda wiggles thru the sand/rock and accomplishes the same thing naturally. Maybe Im missing something here, please elaborate!
:notsure:
My 150 has all live rock in it with various caves I have no PVC either the caves do the job just fine however some like the pvc its just a matter of opinion.