Finding shrimp/fish in outflow filter box. I have been having this problem regularly. Have been thinking of putting fine mesh over the outflow slots. Any solutions that have worked for you?
Rob All I ever did was get a small filter block (not the fine one) if it had a hole at one end OK if not I cut a deep X one end and pushed it over the inlet. It then becomes a great feeding post for the shrimp as it collects food particles. Now it acts as a small pre filter which meant I washed it at every water change if not it blocked up very quickly and reduced the flow rate. Its simple, very effective and above all its cheap. As a temporal use a piece of ladies stocking held on with a rubber band BUT being so fine they block up very fast. Keith
For a cannister filters I'm with Keith and do the same thing but for a overflow box a corse mesh is required, either s steal or a scrubby netting making sure it can't get blocked and preventing a blockage.
Found it Here is an example of a overflow version http://spec-tanks.com/how-to-make-a-stainless-steel-overflow-cover-for-your-fluval-spec-aquarium/
I agree, I had a ss version for a cannister inlet similar to the sponge you used but that caused the flow to reduce after a week so I would recommend a mesh with a maximum spacing depending on your livestock and flow required, making sure its cleaned regularly of any debris.
Jason I was referring to the SS version. Not only easy to make it can be cleaned in seconds under a running tap. Keith
Thanks Jason, I ended up finding a plastic mesh which I had my wife cut and weave into the weir slots. Not a very neat job, but will do until I can improve it.
Lately i visited somebody with an overflow box and had the greatest idea.. He had a very rough black filtersponge only about half an inch thick cut and placed on top squeezed in.. On top of the sponge he's growing a bunch of emersed form rotala rotundifolia and it looked stunning.. I was planing to replicate his idea, but i do not have an overflow box. I have 2 overflow pipes 1 on both side of the tank. But if i had an overflow box i certainly would..
Marcel Your old brain never stops thinking on "How To" With Aquariums you have to continually think out of the square. Keith
Keith you know all about that.. Funny isn't it, thinking out of the square how to get things fixed back in te square again..
Marcel Too many years ago I did a Uni level subject called "Problem Solving" and its actually nothing but good old common sense deduction. Keith
Rob you do have amano's don't you?? They love adventures. If you give them thing to climb on they are like kids they will.. Like this few months back i found one morning in the HOB filter..
