Aquarium Store Manager Creates a Wild Eel Sanctuary Under His House
Animal Enthusiast
Whether you know him by his nickname "cowturtle" or his real name, you may have heard of Nick Tobler. He recently became an internet sensation due to his imaginative use of the space under his garage. As his screen name suggests, Nick has a natural love for animals, and nothing excites him more than marine creatures.
With his passion, he has created his own little paradise where he can indulge in his love for sea creatures. The space under his garage is a dream come true for any animal lover. Every day, his interest in the marine world grows, and his creativity knows no bounds. The space is a true gem that perfectly reflects Nick's love for the animal kingdom.
"Eccentric Fish"
"My favorite animals are eccentric fish," Nick revealed to Buzzfeed News in 2022. "The stranger, the better. But I also love reptiles and amphibians and regularly go on trips to photograph things." Nick resides in Ohio, Kentucky and works as a manager at an aquarium store.
That's why he immediately recognized the potential of the rainwater reservoir he found. The idea of turning this reservoir into something special fascinated him from the start. He felt the need to create this unique place, and his work has inspired many. His discoveries and experiences have enriched the lives of many.
Refuge for Creatures
As a photographer, it was natural for Nick to share photos of his new project on the internet. It didn't take long for his TikTok and Instagram accounts to go viral. Just as people enjoy visiting aquariums, social media users couldn't get enough of seeing how Nick transformed his discovery into a refuge for creatures that prefer moisture and darkness.
Every snapshot he shared was a testament to his creative vision and dedication to the underwater world. With each post, he drew more people into his world, and his project became an internet phenomenon.
Rainwater
From the images, Nick's growing fan base assumed that he was creating an indoor aquarium in a basement, but he clarified the misunderstanding on TikTok. "First, this is not my basement," he explained. "This is my rainwater reservoir... it's only meant for storing rainwater.
It hasn't been used in 20 years, so when I got here, it was just an empty pit full of water." This clarification was important to dispel misunderstandings and convey his vision clearly. Nick has had an extraordinary journey, and his commitment is admirable.
Frequent Fish Updates
What else would an aquarium manager do with a pit full of water if not create an indoor aquarium? What he probably couldn't foresee was the internet's reaction to his pet project. People couldn't get enough of it! Many found the transition from cistern to sanctuary fascinating, and as the word spread, more people signed up for their regular fish updates.
Twitter's Julia Glum is one of them. She and many others are fascinated by Nick's dedication and creative approach to the project.
Eel Pit
"I've been watching this guy on TikTok for months, slowly building an eel pit (exactly what it sounds like) under his house," she tweeted. "And tomorrow, he's FINALLY adding the eels. It's going to be a big day for me!" Apparently, many people, despite their fear of eels – a condition known as Cheliphobia, for those interested –
have told Nick that "the internet definitely can't get enough of the eels." This project has piqued the curiosity and imagination of many and raised many questions.
Fascinating
Perhaps the fear of eels stems from their snake-like appearance, but in reality, eels are a type of fish, and they are fascinating! Their oddly elongated bodies are strange enough, but they can surprisingly survive for extended periods outside of water.
In fact, they occasionally move across land to reach other bodies of water. Eels are mysterious and captivating creatures with a variety of interesting characteristics and behaviors that captivate many people.
4 Million Eggs
Slithering along the bottom is probably a rather useful skill for them, considering that species like the American eel migrate from their freshwater habitats and swim across the Atlantic to reach their spawning grounds in the Sargasso Sea. But it's a one-way journey for them:
After laying up to 4 million eggs, the female eel dies. That's not surprising; laying one egg sounds bad enough! The abilities and life cycle of eels are topics that pique the interest of many and lead to numerous discussions.
Superior Sniffers
But when an eel isn't on its migration journey, it enjoys living in dark places underwater. They are a bottom-dwelling species, so the darker, the better for them. That's why they prefer to hunt at night and use their superior sense of smell to compensate for their poor eyesight. Anything smaller than them is fair game, so their prey depends on the species
Some larger eels even feed on other eels! Their unique lifestyles and preferences make eels fascinating subjects for enthusiasts and scientists alike.
On the Path to Success
Believe it or not, eels are clever and swift hunters. The eels that Nick keeps are harmless to humans, and Nick has a video of them at feeding time, showing something fascinating. "They can actually death roll, a bit like a crocodile," said Nick.
"They... tear these bigger strips without a problem, and all the small fish get the little pieces drifting around." Their skills and hunting techniques are exceptional and attract many onlookers.
Protected
Of course, it took Nick some time to create the fully mature eel pit he has today. The first question you probably ask is: Why an eel pit? Eels are actually protected species in some areas, and while Nick's project has the added benefit of species conservation, that's not the reason he chose to build one.
"I like to keep really strange fish, and I like to explore really strange places," Nick revealed on TikTok in a clip posted in 2022. His motivation and love for unusual creatures are inspiring to many.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere
To get a proper eel pit, you need the right atmosphere. Nick started from scratch, adding lighting – which he leaves on all day but turns off in the evening to simulate a day-night cycle – and a water filter.
The fascinating cave-like aesthetic, which he partially has, comes from the walls, which are technically made of a toxic material. But don't worry! His attention to detail and his desire to create a perfect environment are unparalleled.
Toxic
Nick explains: "These concrete walls are meant to hold rainwater, and they're actually supposed to supply drinking water and house water. So, the walls are completely safe. The cinder blocks are made with lime, which is toxic, but I've bathed them in acid, which removes their toxicity.
So they are entirely safe." Life is another thing that caves require. His considerations and care in choosing materials are essential elements of his project.
Sticklebacks
Nick even added sticklebacks before the eels. In case you didn't know, sticklebacks are small freshwater fish, the kind you see swimming wild in streams and likely to find in cave pools. He notes: "And as you can see, I had the sticklebacks from the get-go, as soon as I touched the water.
They've been here the whole time. I've never noticed any dead sticklebacks, there should be about two dozen here somewhere." Each species he adds is a carefully considered step to simulate a natural environment.
Waterfalls
"You can actually get under these walkways," Nick continues, "and they all hide, I'm sure. I've also added a goldfish." He's added everything he can think of to simulate the kind of river environment his new residents might encounter in the wild.
Nick adds, "I'm going to attach a canister filter here, and we'll do that above the waterfall, I think. And later, try to make the waterfall look nice." Each adjustment and addition is another step toward perfecting his project.
Murky Depths
Of course, the water would be a little clearer. Since there are no natural predators in the aquarium, his inhabitants don't need to hide in the murky depths. Instead, Nick has worked to make the water clearer and give everyone a glimpse into the typically unseen world of the eels. Nick points out that you can now see the gravel; there's a bag of gravel there.
He has put in a lot of effort to increase the transparency of the water and provide an undisturbed view of the mysterious lifestyles of the eels. Every detail is meticulously planned to create the perfect environment for his aquatic residents. Water clarity is essential to give the eels a sense of security.
Interesting Additions
"It's cleared up a lot in the past few days," Nick continues. "I think a canister filter will help even more." And although these are interesting additions, they're not what the internet signed up for. People came for the eels, and Nick soon realized that people were eagerly waiting for every update to see their appearance.
They didn't hesitate to express their anticipation! The eels are undeniably the main attraction and have gained a loyal following eagerly awaiting each new update. Nick quickly recognized the fascination his eels exerted on the online community and worked hard to meet their expectations.
Eel Anticipation
Someone wrote, "I don't care if I'm on my deathbed or something. One of you has to tell me when the eel pit man finally gets eels in his pit. Please." Another agreed, adding, "The guy on TikTok building his eel pit needs to hurry up! I want to see those eels." A third said, "I had no idea I needed this in my life."
These comments clearly demonstrate the enormous curiosity and enthusiasm that Nick's project has sparked in the online community. Each remark, each question was asked with anticipation and excitement as the world eagerly awaited the unveiling of the eels.
"The Best Day Ever"
One can imagine the flood of comments that hit the internet when Nick finally added 12 American eels to his pit! One TikToker described it as "the best day ever," while someone else commented, "I've been waiting my whole life for these damn eels." It's safe to say they did not disappoint.
In fact, Nick even let his followers share in their newfound passion. Nick's fanbase celebrated the arrival of the eels as a triumph, and their reactions were as diverse as they were enthusiastic. The opportunity to be part of this aquarium adventure generated a wave of excitement and creativity among the followers.
Running Free
At the time of the big eel introduction, there was only one named creature in the pit, and that was a lungfish that Nick had named Mango. Instead, he left the naming of the twelve newcomers to his followers, and they let their imagination run wild! Suggestions were made, including Steely Dan, Neil, and Eelon Musk, but there were a few names that Nick just couldn't resist.
Nick wanted to create a connection between his followers and the eels by giving them the opportunity to suggest names for the eels, which increased interaction and engagement. This participatory approach strengthened the bond between the Eel Pit Man and his community and added an extra dimension to the project.
Season Finale
Nick told BuzzFeed News, "My favorite eels are named Bathtub and Crunchwrap Supreme." Within hours of their arrival, they had already settled in and were eating like champions! Julia's Twitter coverage of the eel pit was also popular. "The arrival of the eels felt like the finale of a TV show," she wrote. "Even 72 hours later, my replies are STILL full of eel-themed puns, memes, and even poems."
This shows that Nick's project has attracted attention not only on TikTok but also on other platforms. The excitement and creative expression of the followers are evidence of the far-reaching impact of the Eel Pit Man on the internet.
Cold, Dark Holes
Nick is constantly bombarded with comments, many of which are questions about the various inhabitants of the eel pit. "If I can't explain my animal husbandry, I probably shouldn't be doing it," he said. "The only questions that bother me are when people really try to anthropomorphize the eels.
People might not like a cold, dark hole, but it's the ideal home for a group of eels." Nick's openness to questions demonstrates his commitment to education and transparency. His knowledge and insights into the needs of the eels promote understanding and appreciation for these remarkable creatures, raising awareness of their needs and lifestyles.
Cost-Effective
"They prefer the darkness," Nick told Mashable in 2022. "I'm trying to train them to be active when I turn the light on and to look for food. I want to see them when I'm down there. I want to see them swim." Eels are also quite affordable aquarium fish, depending on the state.
Nick's training techniques and his desire to observe the eels showcase his deep interest and dedication to caring for his aquatic residents. His desire to witness their activities reflects his passion and commitment to the well-being and development of the eels.
Pretty Affordable
Remember we said that eels are protected in some places? "They're still used as bait in Maine," Nick revealed. "So, these eels came, and they were pretty affordable. It's probably one of my most cost-effective animal setups. It consisted of gravel, cinder blocks, and a filter that probably cost $150, and that was probably my biggest expense."
The cost of a water cistern is not included in this! Nick makes it clear that acquiring and keeping eels doesn't have to be associated with high costs if you're smart and economical. His approach allows him to keep various types of organisms while keeping an eye on the costs.
"Economical"
So, why are there no plants in Nick's eel pit? He revealed, "I want it to be a cave for the first year at least. And maybe later, if I make money through it somehow, I'll upgrade the light and add plants and turn it into a swamp." So, it's mainly for economic reasons, but it certainly doesn't hurt the eels.
Nick seems to have specific ideas about the development of his project. His considerations demonstrate careful planning and consideration for the needs of the eels. He is willing to invest in improving the living conditions of the eels when circumstances allow.
Longevity
How long do eels actually live? Well, Nick is the expert, and according to him, they tend to survive longer in a controlled environment. He explained to a curious TikToker that they typically live between ten and fifteen years in the wild. On the other hand, they can live longer than humans in captivity: some survive for 80 years or more.
An European eel lived for 155 years in a well! Nick's expertise provides a deeper insight into the fascinating life of the eels. It shows that the lifespan of eels can vary enormously and that they can live remarkably long under the right conditions.
Season Two
Where will season two of The Eel Pit Man lead his followers? Well, Nick has already introduced some more creatures to captivate his fans. "Hey everyone," he announces on TikTok, "today's a super exciting update in the eel pit. I actually went to a local Asian grocery store and got five blue crabs. I wanted two males and three females, but they actually only had females.
So, we'll stick with that for now." Nick keeps his community up to date with constant updates and innovations. The diversity of the eel pit's inhabitants helps to maintain the interest of the followers and provides ever new insights into the coexistence of different species.
Grumpy
"In terms of size, they should get along well with all the eels and gars in the pit," Nick continues. "They also had live bass, but I don't have any plans for bass in the eel pit. But here are the crabs I picked out. As I said, as far as I can see, I believe they're all females. But they should do well down there with everyone."
Nick's careful considerations about the size and compatibility of the new inhabitants reflect his care and awareness of the needs and well-being of all creatures in the eel pit. It's evident that he's constantly seeking ways to ensure balance and harmony within the eel pit community.
Snapping Away
Nick concluded on the website Bored Panda, "If I have any issues with them, worst case, I have no problem eating them." He wanted to bring some biodiversity into the pit, but the crabs are essentially meant to replace a crayfish he lost through winter flooding. Who knows what the future holds for the Eel Pit Man and his fans?
One thing is for sure: he has taken the internet by storm, hook, line, and sinker! Nick's final words showcase his pragmatic attitude and willingness to take proactive action and find solutions. His journey and the development of the eel pit are an ongoing narrative full of discoveries and surprises that delight and inform his community.
Snapped Up
Closing on the Bored Panda website, Nick stated, "If I have any issues with them, worst case, I have no problem eating them." He wanted to bring a bit of biodiversity into the pit, but the crabs are essentially meant to replace a crayfish he lost due to winter flooding. Who knows what the future holds for the Eel Pit Man and his fans?
One thing is for sure: he has taken the internet by storm, hook, line, and sinker! Nick's final words showcase his pragmatic attitude and willingness to take proactive action and find solutions. His journey and the development of the eel pit are an ongoing narrative full of discoveries and surprises that delight and inform his community.
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