Cover openings in your tank tops

[rdd1952]

I learned a lesson the hard way today. That lesson: make sure there are no openings in your tank top. I came home to find an empty 5 gallon tank where Ty, our betta should have been. I looked on the floor behind the stand and there he was. The only opening is a 1.5" hole where the heater goes in. He apparently jumped through that fairly soon after we fed him and left for work since he was completely dried out. Go check your tanks now and cover even the smallest hole so you won't come home to what I did.

 

[Mariah]

Im so sorry for your loss

 

[Jaded_Pulse]

I'm really sorry to hear that, RPP.

Rest in Peace, Ty

I also recently had one of my guys jump about a foot, landing within an inch of the desk's edge. Luckily he was only out for about 5mins, and survived, but now all my guys have lids. Definitely make sure they're covered, but if they're in a bowl, also don't forget they need to be able to get some air in - I use a flyscreen type mesh.

Again, I'm sorry about your little mate.

 

[Cavafish]

had the same where a baby BN plec climbed out of the opening for the cables ..... not good.

 

[abstract]

i had a similar problem with a nearly fully grown bristlenose jumping out of a 2"x1" opening....sorry to hear about your loss

 

[morgan]

I had the same thing happen with my Golden Apple Snail, not as bad as when it is a fish because they seem to be able to breath out of water. Mine escaped twice then I taped some mesh over the two holes. They are at the back of the hood to allow the cables to come through.

 

[lilfishie]

mine did that luckily i found him and he recovered but died five months later

 

[rdd1952]

Someone on another forum posted a good way to cover openings without closing off the air. They said they used an empty toilet paper roll and slid it in the hole. It worked perfectly for the opening on my tank, just snug enough to stay without tape. I cut it off so it wouldn't show over the top of the tank. The opening is still there but a fish would have to jump straight up about 4 inches to get out.

 

[Raechal]

My betta's bowl has no lid...and I can't think of anything to put over it. Would a paper plate work with holes punched in it? Or would ceran wrap work better?

 

[rdd1952]

Someone said any kind of mesh would work, maybe even a piece of pantyhose. It definitely need holes so he can get oxygen.

 

[littlefishie]

My betta's bowl has no lid...and I can't think of anything to put over it. Would a paper plate work with holes punched in it? Or would ceran wrap work better?

Plastic craft canvas.
Cut it to the size of the bowl's opening and just set it on top, maybe tape it down unless you're opening it for feeding.