Jumping fish

[RedM3]

I'm in the process of planning the additional fish I'm adding to my tank. I have approximately a 2"x6" or so "hole" in my canopy where I removed knock out panels to allow for room for my Bak-Pak HOB filter/skimmer and for the automatic feeder to drop food. I often times do have to leave town for business from Monday morning to Thursday evening, so making a cover that fits snugly around the plumbing isn't really an option as the automatic feeder wouldn't be able to drop the food.

Some of the fish I'm considering are firefish and various wrasses. According to LiveAquaria, many of these fish are jumpers and require a "tight fitting lid." Has anyone had any experience keeping these fish with similar set ups?

 

[snorvich]

Some of the fish I'm considering are firefish and various wrasses. According to LiveAquaria, many of these fish are jumpers and require a "tight fitting lid." Has anyone had any experience keeping these fish with similar set ups?

Those fish WILL jump. Not IF but WHEN.

 

[Wolverine]

You'll be amazed at how small the openings can be with these fish still getting out through them.

 

[bradleyj]

You'll be amazed at how small the openings can be with these fish still getting out through them.

I agree, If you cant find something to cover even a 1/2 inch hole, they will eventually find there way to the floor.
Ever since I switched my mesh to 1/4 inch, I haven't lost a fish. One did jump out while I was doing maintenance, but he landed on my overflow cover and I got him back into the water. My mesh netting is always bouncing up and down with those crazy fish.:spin1:

 

[aquaph8]

I lost a fire fish through my birdnet top a while back. I found it laying on top of the netting.

 

[RedM3]

I agree, If you cant find something to cover even a 1/2 inch hole, they will eventually find there way to the floor.
Ever since I switched my mesh to 1/4 inch, I haven't lost a fish. One did jump out while I was doing maintenance, but he landed on my overflow cover and I got him back into the water. My mesh netting is always bouncing up and down with those crazy fish.:spin1:

When you say 1/4 mesh, do you mean like a plastic grate or a fabric-type screen? I didn't really consider this option (but I should) since that would still let the food drop from the automatic feeder...

 

[snorvich]

1/4 inch holes should be sufficient to keep fish in.

 

[iamwrasseman]

you may be able to tighten up the holes on your canopy but i would suggest that you screen it as others are stating .it really sucks when one gets out so be very thorough when you do it as they seem to find every tiny spot that they can .i dont know how of why but they always seem to figure out how to commit suicide .

 

[milkman55]

My firefish jumped out of my 120 gal this week just while I had the 1/4" netting frame off to feed. I didn't see him jump and accidentally stepped on him on the floor. I think firefish and wrasse's are some of the worse, but I had a clown jump as well when the cover was off, but luckily I saw that one and got him back in the tank.