Real concern for jumping fish?

That's what I did on my tank. The holes are 1/2"x1/2". Very slim fish (like a firefish or some gobies maybe) would be able to get through I would think, but most normal fish wouldn't I would think. A 2'x4' sheet of it is under $15, so it is very economical. Plus after installing it you could reality add mesh to it with some zip ties.

 

i never have a covered tank and i have only ever had 1 fish jump. and i saved it thank god. i believe fish only jump for several reasons, they are looking for food, or saw food and were jumping up to get it, there are aggressive fish in the tank picking on the particular fish, or the water quality is just that bad and it is jumping in a last ditch effort to find better conditions.

 

I would recommend the 1/4" pond netting that you can typically find at pond supply stores. I have had lost fish from jumping and some were even able to squeeze through 1/2" netting. It is a very unfortunate sight to come home and see a fish you've had for a couple years dried out on the floor. Now I pretty much keep my rimless aquarium covered all the time.

Dan

 

It is definitely a problem. I recently lost a hawaiian flame wrasse even with a cover that left a small gap toward the back. I was shocked to see him dried up on the floor.


Kuddos to your LFS for giving you good info. Some places will not warn you and gladly sell you another fish...

 

None of those conditions contributed to the my fish jumping.

 

fish will jump for some reason, they will not jump just for the fun of it. there is always a purpose.

 

The purpose of the lid is to prevent fish from jumping out of the tank regardless of the cause.

Consider that some fish such as the Blue Spotted Jawfish, Wrasses, Dart fish are more prone to jump despite lack of poor water quality, and aggression from other fish.

The intent of the thread as I read it is " Real concern for jumping fish", the answer is yes fish jump.

 

Great ideas, I actually stopped by ace hardware and bought some screen mesh, I was going to try and make some larger holes evenly throughout (not big enough for fish to get through but so it doesnt block my lighting.

Im not sure why fish jump! but thanks for all the advice guys. Looking forward to getting a firefish and maybe a goby!

 

Lost one jumping fish a few years ago but it was a Beta fresh water...not as devastating as a saltwater pet but made me aware!

 

Egg crate usually has too large of openings for it to be useful for this application.