HELP, Eel keeps going into my RFUG

[mclife]

I started a new 150 gallon setup. I have a 5 inch tire track eel, and it keeps going into my RFUG. I see him trying to swim up the tube, and then get sucked back down. I let him out, and then next thing I know, he's back in there.

Has anyone else had this happen? I have 3 1140 powerheads running in reverse with the sponge kit. I am guessing he is getting in at either the top or bottom of sponge. What can I do to seal my RFUG system!!

 

[aknif]

I would assume that the sneaky little bugger is burrowing through the rocks and getting in under the filter plate, right? I have heard of some people actually siliconing their filter plates to the bottom of their tanks. I'd never do it myself, but i've heard of it! This would require that you break down your tank and dry it out and all that though...

How much do you love your eel???

 

[daveedka]

I remember someone posting a similar experience with a particular loach, that they found months later still alive under the plate. I would imagine Your eel is burrowing as well, although I do have guppy fry and snails migrate into mine on Occasion. If you want to isolate the course of entry, I'd put a very coarse sponge in my uplift tube, and watch to see if the eel ends up above or below it. if he ends up below it he's going in through the gravel. Depending on the size of your eel, it may not be possible to stop him from going where he wants, have you tried leaving him under the plate (For a bit of time not forever) and see if he can find his way out?
dave

 

[mclife]

Yesturday I rescued him out 2 times. On the last time, I again saw him in the uplift tube. Then minutes later I saw him swimming around in the tank. I think he has a way of getting in and out, most likely near the edge through the gravel.

I guess if he can get in and out safely its ok, but I want to make sure he doesn't make a mess under there.