Carpet surfing: when a fish heads for the living room carpet.
Sump-diving: when a fish makes it into the overflow and turns up in your sump.
Why?
Fish jump primarily to elude predators or bullying. It works in the ocean. In an unguarded tank, it leads bad places.
Fish follow currents: if you have a hole a fish can get through---it will.
The best physical defense is gutter guard [Lowe's] or plastic needlework canvas [hobby store, embroidery section] cut to fit and tilted a bit to allow a fish to roll back into the tank, or to cover an escape route. Some with larger determined jumpers have used an eggcrate [lighting grid] top, but it does reduce available light.
Another good defense is a fake canopy: a 9" very light painted pine frame that extends your top rim up 9" and serves to keep your light either supported or at least shielded from blinding you. Cover it in lightweight, flexible formica sheeting or the like and it will be light enough one person can easily lift it off for glass-cleaning.
The best general defense is not to create a situation where one species feels picked on or cornered. If fish are jumping---look at the ones that aren't jumping and ask if they're responsible.
Dartfish, including firefish, are the worst. They go airborne at the drop of a hat, and often because they bully each other. Tiny gobies and blennies are good at getting through holes and some will jump. If you are missing a fish, check your overflow and sump. Getting them out of the overflow? Difficult. Very difficult.
Sump-diving: when a fish makes it into the overflow and turns up in your sump.
Why?
Fish jump primarily to elude predators or bullying. It works in the ocean. In an unguarded tank, it leads bad places.
Fish follow currents: if you have a hole a fish can get through---it will.
The best physical defense is gutter guard [Lowe's] or plastic needlework canvas [hobby store, embroidery section] cut to fit and tilted a bit to allow a fish to roll back into the tank, or to cover an escape route. Some with larger determined jumpers have used an eggcrate [lighting grid] top, but it does reduce available light.
Another good defense is a fake canopy: a 9" very light painted pine frame that extends your top rim up 9" and serves to keep your light either supported or at least shielded from blinding you. Cover it in lightweight, flexible formica sheeting or the like and it will be light enough one person can easily lift it off for glass-cleaning.
The best general defense is not to create a situation where one species feels picked on or cornered. If fish are jumping---look at the ones that aren't jumping and ask if they're responsible.
Dartfish, including firefish, are the worst. They go airborne at the drop of a hat, and often because they bully each other. Tiny gobies and blennies are good at getting through holes and some will jump. If you are missing a fish, check your overflow and sump. Getting them out of the overflow? Difficult. Very difficult.
