Open top and insects

[Mr31415]

On the recommendation of many people on this forum, I have removed the glass cover panels on top of my reef and predator tanks. They are now completely open on the top.

My questions is, I regularly see small beetles and moths fall in to the water, and my wrasses and other fish seem to try and eat those insects. Is this OK? Or should I be concerned?

 

[SUPERHERO2943]

MMMMM, beetles and moths, Yummy!!! I wouldn't be concerned with it unless mr. beatle has been through some pesticide. I don't know how little it takes to send a tank south. I leave my tank open to I know that surely something at some point in time has found its way in and it has never suffered. I probably would not be concerned.

 

[Craig Lambert]

I would be more concerned about why my home is infested with beetles and moths...

 

[reefergeorge]

I've read stories were fish have jumped out of the tank trying to get bugs.

 

[TTSupra]

I get a lot of moths and stuff in there. They fly in when I take the dog out or something, and then dive after my lights.

 

[Mr31415]

Erm Craig... I live in South Africa. It is a wilderness here.... True nature - untamed. We even have Lions and Elephants walking by every once in a while.

 

[Roy G. Biv]

Re: Open top and insects

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10992024#post10992024 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mr31415
My questions is, I regularly see small beetles and moths fall in to the water, and my wrasses and other fish seem to try and eat those insects. Is this OK? Or should I be concerned?

Someone invented this a while back.
Invention

 

[Mr31415]

Ok lets try this another way. I do not live in (civilized) U.S. Take that for grated.

Now.... I HAVE beetles and moths and snakes and lizards in my house.

My question was not how to prevent them falling in to my tank...

My question was whether my fish would become ill or die when they swallow one of these bugs?

 

[seapug]

South Africa is an amazing place. As a plant enthusiast it has always been a dream of mine to go there. You have incredible natural treasures there.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about the bugs (unless they are big, poisonous, and known to eat fish) but it still might be a good idea to keep a small net handy to scoop them out when you see them. I get various moths and small bugs in my tanks sometimes during the summer (lights attract them at night) and never had any problems from it. If you are getting swarms (which is possible) you might consider draping some fine window screen over the tank.

 

[Rue]

The bugs won't hurt your fish...again, unless mentioned, they're carrying pesticide...

I'm an entomologist, I know these things...or at least I like to think I do...

 

[Rue]

...btw...I saw a moose walking down the road a while back...

...not that that comes close to elephants wandering around, but still...I was very awed...big critters, moose are...