Eel in shallow tank?

[Earl Karl]

So I have a 24" japanese dragon eel that I'm moving to my 100g 48x36x15 acro tank (total volume is 180g including sump). The water height is 14" and the lids are held down by weights. Is the water height ok for the eel? Lots of caves for him.

 

[lion king]

I would say it would work. Make some nice pathways through the rocks and give a few opening where he could poke his head out. My eels would only come to top have of the tank when begging or eating. They always preferred to cruise through the rocks and rarely if ever over the top of the rocks. Even when cruising they seem to rub their bellies against the rocks or substrate. The dragon eel likely feels more comfortable against the rocks rather than open water free swimming. What have you noticed about his habits, does he seem to come up high in the tank he's in now. I've never kept a short tank so I'm sure how this might effect him psychologically, but I guess if he goes off feeding you'll know.

 

[Earl Karl]

He's in my friend's 125 gallon for now. He seems to just lay low as he is shy even in feeding, which is why I was wondering if he can be in a shallow tank. The rockscape is made directly for the eel, with areas that are ranging slightly tight pathways in case he want to "snuggle" to some spacious pathways in case he needs some breathing space.

 

[kodama16]

Mine is in a 10ft 1200gallon and he never goes up. Alway stays low. I would think if the top is secured you’ll be safe.