Ribbon Eel question

Ribbon eels are historically finicky feeders, and just getting them to eat can be a challenge. As mentioned, we get our acrylic rod (1/8") online, but you can pick up an acrylic feeding stick from the LFS and transform it into a stealth stick by adding the 50# test monofilament to it.

Eels can typically go quite awhile without eating (assuming they have some weight on them), so I wouldn't fret TOO much just yet. Its good to hear that it has found itself a lair, as that's a good sign of it acclimating. I have to wonder if the eel's tankmates may be an issue, esp. with fast-movers present.

The bulge may be a few things, are you missing any snails or hermits? It's likely nothing, but get us that photo.