unique solution to a problem

[So Cal shaggy]

OK I keep seeing posts pop up every so often regarding fish jumping into the overflow so I thought I would post the solution I came up with. First look into or feel around the inside of the overflow to see if there is a small lip just below slits in the top of the overflow box if there is this is an easy mod if not you will have to spend a little more time on it. If there is a lip cut a piece of plexiglass just small enough to fit into the overflow box but larger than the lip drill the piece with a bunch of holes and set it inot the overflow box. If there is no lip inside the overflow box cut some pieces of PVC pipe just long enough to come to the bottom of the overflow slits and zip tie them to the bottom of the piece of plexiglass so that it wll sit on top of the pipes and not fall off and you are done no more fish will be able to go past the plexiglass strainer it also quiets the overflowing water as well here are a few pics the zip ties on it are so I can pull it out for maintenance.

strainer in the overflow box
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/shaggyman/overflowplate1.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

strainer out of the overflow for cleaning
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/shaggyman/overflowplate2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

 

[ste6168]

how is this one noise, have you thought about maximum GPH through it?

 

[So Cal shaggy]

The noise is reduced to the sound of a tabletop fountain and the flow is not reduced at all with all the holes in it the water flows right through it if I do not clean it monthly though algae builds up on it and clogs the holes and reduces the flow but as long as I soak it in vinegar once a month the flow is the same as if the strainer is not there.

 

[Zoalander]

Not a bad idea but I would make the holes bigger.

 

[chImerAnz]

Soooo, the fish just sits on top of the overflow and dries out instead?!

 

[Brandon's Reef]

they don't dry out if there is water flowing.

 

[So Cal shaggy]

strainer plate

strainer plate

no, they do not dry out there is water flowing across the plate with a depth of about 1/4"-1/8" I took the picture with the return pump turned off to get a good pic of the plate. Since I put it into the overflow I have found two separate fish in it still alive one had just jumped in it and I heard it splashing around and the second I found in the morning so I have no idea how long it was in there but it was none the worse for wear.

 

[mg426]

Pretty nifty idea.

 

[Mouse]

Why not raise it up to just above the water line? I plan on doing this with mine and have a small {1/4"} lip extending past the overflow wall. I am hoping this will keep the overflow clear of animals and algae by blocking the light.

 

[paulallen]

The problem you are going to run into mouse is what other people were hinting at. Yes a "shield" like you are talking about will stop fish from getting if, but what happens if they get up there and cant flop off... they cook. The best way to do it would be to build something that would extend the overflow box up closer to the light, then you could cover it, as it should be high enough that the fish cant get up there.