Open Top Tanks

[sjdriscoll]

Has anyone found an aesthetic solution to the problem presented by 'open topped' tanks - ie. fish or shrimps that tend to jump out. I lost a Golden Ram today - he had never shown ant tendency to jump before but there he was, all crispy on my wooden floor about 10 foot from the tank.

A few Zebras went the same way as well as a shrimp or two. I was thinking about a slim glass sheet with two 'easy grip' handles for quick access.

Anyone else encountered these problems and come up with something that works AND looks good?

Cheers

 

[Esfa]

Keep the water level a good 5 inches below the top of the tank?

 

[garuf]

fish can be trained to not jump, just leave cover glass on for a few months fish get the idea they can't jump remove glass, BAM no more crispies.

 

[sjdriscoll]

Cheers - thanks for that. Can't really afford the 5 inches as I only have a 20gal so cover glass seems the only way. Thought about a mesh but.....................

Thanks again

 

[backtotropical]

My tank is open top. I just stick to fish which don't jump. Works fine for me. I've never had a "crispie".

 

[sjdriscoll]

I thought that Rams wouldn't jump but hey ho! The Zebra Danios were no surprise but the shrimps?

 

[backtotropical]

Shrimps aren't jumpers, you are correct.

They are however, well known escape artists. Although they won't jump, they will climb to a 'crispie' death.

You live and learn!

 

[garuf]

shrimps WILL jump if the water quality is sub-par or if hunted.

 

[sjdriscoll]

Sorry to correct you but shrimps ARE jumpers, as i found out when i introduced my first 5. They swam about mid water very quickly and when a curious zebra investigated they darted to the surface and 'pinged' clear out of the tank. One landed 6 feet away! Out of the 5 only 2 seemed to have no inclination to jump and they are still alive.

These were/are Tiger Shrimps and I know that they can also crawl up the corners to escape if the conditions are not 'just so'.

 

[backtotropical]

Never heard of that. You live and learn! Cheers for the info Garuf.

The Zebra Danios were no surprise but the shrimps?

Out of interest, sjdriscoll, why question the shrimps jumping and then correct me? You knew all along! Don't get it?

 

[sjdriscoll]

It wasn't a trick - honest! I did loads of research on this site before I introduced them and no one mentioned that they jumped so I was really surprised to see them leap out of my tank like lemmings!

Thanks for your help.

 

[backtotropical]

Well, as i said, i've never heard of them jumping, but if others have seen it, i certainly won't argue.

 

[garuf]

If your big into shrimps join www.planetinverts.com Ryan's really knowledgeable.

 

[Themuleous]

Thats a quality site Gareth, there is a wealth of info on there. Gonna try breeding some shrimp myself soon.

Sam