RabbitsAreSlow

As some of you may know from reading my prior posts I had been trying to decide whether or not to buy and wet/dry sump system to replace my hang on back (HOB) filter. Then I had a post regarding the transistion and how to make it safe. Well now after several leaks and much frustration I have my system up and running simultaneously with my hob while my new system "gets happy". Well while dealing with the different leaks, ALL which were at hose connections or fittings due entirely from not deburring some cheap parts from the production process, I have been anxiously checkin my system for leaks about every half hour when I am home hoping to not find any.

Here's where it gets interesting...upon my inspection before bed last night I was looking at my connections on the back of my aquarium where my input nozzle and output lines were. I happened to check my overflow box in the back and low and behold I see one of my Pristella Tetras swimming for it's life. He had made it through the grooves in my overflow box, through my u-tube and out into my prefilter pad into my overflow box. Luckily the prefilter sponger around the PVC outlet kept him from going down into my sump where I wouldn't have noticed him until it was too late. Save 1 for me.

Now being paranoid and having my system down for the day to get some hose clamps installed for cheap insurance and peace of mind, I alllowed the system to run most of the day again, carefully monitoring it tediously. Tonight I received my order of artificial driftwood and rearranged my entire aquarium. Finally done dinner was in desperate need. By the time I tucked my wife in I did a head count of my 23 friends and with all the new places to hide I kept coming up short....22....22....still....22. Baffled I said to myself it better not have...I checked the back overflow box...nothing...where was number 23? I busted out the flashlight to look into the first chamber on my overflow box where if a fish got sucked in he would end up first. Sure enough who was in there? Mr bloodfin tetra...still alive. Save number two for me.

Now before the second incident I was at a fish store earlier today and told them of my concern/problem. They told me there was nothing I could do to keep my "stupid fish" from getting into my overflow box.

I disagree and pose this question to any and all of you whether it's ideas or from experience with overflow systems...HOW do I keep these little tetras from slipping through the cracks WITHOUT impeding water flow or using a material that clogs easily?

CLIFFS: 2 fish in overflow...how do I keep it from happening?

iloveengl

I love that you had a cliffsnotes at the end. Unfortunately, I have no idea what these systems even look like, but I do want to tell you that I'm very happy you were able to find and save your two little fish. I've heard of people talk about these systems before, so I'm quite certain someone will be on sooner or later to help you. GL!

aquarist48

Hello RabbitsAreSlow. I had the same problem when I had my first wet/dry overflow system. I lost several fish by not finding them in the over flow box in time. Eventually I ended up buying fish that were too large to fit through the slots.

What you could do is to band some filter floss around the over flow box inside the tank or you could band some sponges around it as well. If the sponge is too thick you can also slice it in half to make it thinner. For my floss I use "high loft" batting material, 100% polyester, no additives. I get it from the WalMart craft department. It has a green label on it. You can cut it to fit perfectly.

I know what you mean about checking for leaks It's scary at first but what a wonderful filtration system to have (IMO). I'm glad you've added clamps to your connections! They do ease the mind a bit.
Something else you may want to consider, just as an extra precaution against leaks is to seal your connections with silicone.

Some local fish stores...
Best of luck and keep us posted!
Ken

RabbitsAreSlow

Thank you for you replies!

Iloveengl, this forum has alsways proved helpful along my way and is nothing short of fun to read. I love all the incite and input that everyone has from their own experiences. I'm sure someone will without a doubt help me, as always, in my ventures!

Aquarist, I definitely hear yah abuot buying bigger fish. Fortunately I don't give up so my little guys should be okay. I did have another bloodfin end up in the overflow though. I am hesitant about putting more filter floss/polyester fibers in the overflow box just because I don't want any particulate to get stuck up there...I want everything to move on down into my filter so it can do it's job. I was thinking, if I could find them, of using or using something similar to the old green mesh bins that you used to be able to buy fresh strawberries in. I also heard from that crappy store that home depot has mesh type stuff. I haven't checked to hard while there but next chance I get I will, probably this Friday. Thank you bud for your help, as always. I look forward to your replies in any post I make! Cheers and wish me luck.

Anyone else with any other suggestions please chime in...any info is good info!