The Myth of Eels Cleaning Water Tanks

In the realm of curious misconceptions, one fascinating myth suggests that eels clean water tanks. While this idea captures the imagination, it’s important to distinguish between myth and reality.

This topic first came up when we saw several comments on our Facebook page about how to use eels to clean water tanks.

Being water tank experts, these comments did come as a surprise, so let’s explore why eels are unlikely to play any role in cleaning water tanks and how their natural habits might have contributed to this intriguing myth.

Eels’ Natural Habits and Habitat

Eels are remarkable creatures, known for their adaptability and complex life cycles. They inhabit various aquatic environments, from rivers and lakes to the ocean. Eels thrive in environments that offer natural food sources and favourable conditions, such as clean, flowing water.

They rely on balanced ecosystems where they can find food and maintain their health. However, their presence in such environments doesn’t translate to an ability to clean or filter water.

Why Eels Won’t Clean Your Tank

● Sediment and Bacteria: Eels do not consume sediment or bacteria build-up. Their diet primarily consists of smaller aquatic organisms, such as insects and small fish, rather than organic waste or contaminants found in water tanks.

● No Filtering Ability: Eels do not have the biological capability to filter water. Unlike filter-feeding organisms, eels do not possess specialised structures for removing particulate matter or contaminants from their surroundings.

● Eel Waste: If you put an eel in a drinking water tank, it would indeed contribute to the tank’s waste. Eels, like other fish, produce waste that can contaminate the water.

This last point is key – Eels will add faeces to the water tank and faecal matter constitutes the biggest risk to harmful contaminants in our water tanks. Further, as an eel is stuck in a tank with limited supply of the key elements they need to survive, they are likely to die in the tank and consequently contaminate the water further.

The Origin of the Myth

The myth that eels clean water tanks may arise from a misunderstanding of their natural habitat requirements. Eels are often associated with clean, flowing waters, and their survival in such environments could lead to the mistaken belief that they perform some sort of cleaning function.

In reality, while eels do thrive in clean environments, they do not have the
ability to clean or filter water and indeed, they add their faeces to the water.

Why Eels Don’t Thrive in Drinking Water Tanks

Eels are not well-suited to survive in drinking water tanks for several animal welfare reasons:

1. Tank Size and Space: Water tanks are usually too small and lack the habitat eels need to survive.
2. Water Quality Management: The chemicals used to treat drinking water are harmful to eels.
3. Food Sources: Drinking water tanks do not provide the necessary food sources for eels.
4. Temperature and Oxygen: The controlled conditions in a drinking water tank might not meet the eels’ specific needs.

Another factor to take into consideration is legal risks. New Zealand species like the long fin eel are considered endangered and depending on your local laws, will be a protected species.

Additionally, the New Zealand Animal Welfare Act 1999 states that animal owners must ‘meet an animal’s physical, health, and behavioural needs, and must alleviate pain or distress’. Failure to comply with fishing regulations or animal welfare standards can lead to fines or other legal consequences.

Summary

The idea that eels clean water tanks is a charming myth but does not align with their natural behaviours or environmental needs. Eels thrive in clean, natural habitats but do not have the capacity to clean or filter water in water tanks or drinking water systems.

They do not eat sediment or bacteria build-up, lack the ability to filter water and actually would contribute to contaminant build up. To maintain clean water tanks it’s essential to use proper filtration systems and regular cleaning methods.

Understanding the true role of eels in their natural environments helps dispel myths and highlights the importance of proper tank maintenance to ensure that your drinking water remains pure and safe.

Water Tank Maintenance and Cleaning:

Water tanks are designed to collect and store water, which is used for various purposes. To maintain the water’s quality, these tanks require regular cleaning and maintenance, including:
● Physical Cleaning: Removing debris, organic material, and sediment.
● Filtration: Using filters to remove contaminants like sediment and pathogens.
● Disinfection: UV treatment to kill bacteria and applying chemicals to ensure the water is safe for use.

These tasks are essential for keeping the water clean and safe for consumption, and they are typically managed by professional water tank cleaners like Safe H2O rather than by any aquatic creatures. Learn more about why you should use a Water Tank Cleaning Specialist here.

Do you need your water tank cleaned?

Safe H2O follows a comprehensive cleaning process that leaves no stone unturned.

From initial inspection to final testing, every step of the cleaning process is meticulously planned and executed to ensure optimal results.

Specialists employ a combination of techniques, including sediment removal, nano-filtration and disinfection, to restore your tank AND water to its pristine condition and safeguard your water quality.

If you’re looking for NZ’s largest and top-rated water tank cleaners, look no further! You can get a tank cleaning cost estimate by filling in this form.