Hate finding dried up fish behind my tank?

[elephantnose]

http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums...5-6763-4A16-91D3-C5D51D46CE92_zpse6kvhw8e.jpg just recently I lost my african butterfly fish. He some how managed to escape the tank. I first realized when I was was messing around on the side of my 55g. I thought that was weird so I'll looked in my tank and noticed the ABF was gone. I looked behind the tank and didn't see him. My stand has a cut out on the bottom where it goes all the way to the front. Well my tank was really close to the wall so all I could get back there was my phone. So I set it on video with the flash, when I pulled it out sure enough there was my fish. I had to leave for school in 5 mins so there was no way I could empty and move my tank in time. I hope he was dead by the time I realized, because I'd feel even worse if he was alive and that I could of saved him.


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[Fatboyfish]

Happens often in the hobby. The only solution is a 100% enclosed top. My brother used a kit from bulk reef supply to keep his fish in on his reef tank. There are tons of options at lowes if you are a do it yourselfer. Mesh, plastic gutterguard, plastic screens etc.

 

[elephantnose]

Yeah, I've only had it happen with hatchet fish and once a golden ram. I knew ABF were jumpers but the opening I had in my tank was so small and I had the fish for a while I didn't think he would jump.


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[mrvincent]

Same problem here, even if I have a lid... Don't know where they escape...

 

[Brookster123]

I had one go out a glass top, only open spot was a 1/2" spot near the filter... she really wanted out haha

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[elephantnose]

Yea, sadly it happens, and I don't want to be the crazy one with cardboard and textbooks all over my tank blocking every exit.


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[aqua_holic]

I had one go out a glass top, only open spit was a 1/2" spot near the filter... crazy..

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I lost a butterfly the same way.

 

[elephantnose]

How long did you have yours. I was so mad because mine started getting used to me and I could even hand feed him.


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[aqua_holic]

I've had them for several years. The one that jumped was new - no more than 6 months.

 

[dragon14]

That's terrible I'm sorry for your loss

We need to get the back of ours closed up. A bit hard due to the filter and heater and tubing for our bubbler... hrrrm... so far so good.