Learn from my misfortune

[otrlynn]

I have the front half of my tank covered with bird netting. It is 3/8" bird netting (no idea where it came from originally, it was with my garden stuff and used to cover blueberries) Anyway, the screen is made from two layers, offset slightly as much as that was possible given the stretchy nature of the stuff. I just walked by my tank to find that my firefish had apparently jumped throught he screen, landed on top, and was not able to get back in the tank. Firefish jerky unfortunately. So, if you are thinking your eggcrate or half-inch bird netting will contain this type of slim, jumping fish, think again. I love firefish and gobies and think that I will replace the bird netting with fiberglass window screen. The back half of my tank is glass, so I will just position my light over that portion of my tank. I'm bummed...

 

[brians4671]

i placed back ping pong netting around my fixture. fixed with velcro. looks great. got it from sports authority

 

[aquaman67]

I've had firefish in a open topped tank for years and never had an escape. What do you think made him jump? Is he being harassed by someone else?

 

[bertmauricio]

Doesnt pingpong netting come in like 5" strips with wider bands on either side? How does it affect light penetration? Sounds like it could be a good solution if it doesn't block too much light. I was going to try the bird netting idea but maybe not anymore.

Sorry to hear about that otrlynn.

 

[otrlynn]

I had "something" in my tank the last two days, undetectable via standard test kits that had my green star polyp pi$$ed off and my Kole tang on a hunger strike. Those have improved with a water change fortunately. Possibly just the result of over zealous tank cleaning. Firefish did not seem to be in any trouble, eating fine etc., but they are "jumping" fish, I just thought I had that problem covered, so to speak...

 

[DGlove904]

dang it hope my goby didnt jump I hav enot seen him since sunday

 

[DGlove904]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13110549#post13110549 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DGlove904
dang it hope my goby didnt jump I have not seen him since sunday

 

[Sk8r]

So sorry to hear that.

What I have as a jump-stopper is a 9" high rim around my tank, built of light pine, with an open top fiberglass or composite shell. So far no firefish or other has jumped that high: also a plastic needlepoint canvas shield over the downflow---and it has a tilt to dump jumpers back into the water.

They are unfortunately very good at that, the dartfish.

 

[brians4671]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13110512#post13110512 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertmauricio
Doesnt pingpong netting come in like 5" strips with wider bands on either side? How does it affect light penetration? Sounds like it could be a good solution if it doesn't block too much light. I was going to try the bird netting idea but maybe not anymore.

Sorry to hear about that otrlynn.

yes i think its around 5'' i made 4 panels that attach from the edge of the tank to the edge of the light fixture.

 

[EllieSuz]

This is 1/4" netting with a Home Depot screen kit. If you want to try this, I have a lot of netting left over. Needed to order a minimum 6' x 14'. PM me if you're interested.