plecostomus jumped out of the tank yesterday

[pcdoctor]

Hey. I want your help here. My fish tank has a cover on it, but somehow, I got home and saw my plecostomus on the floor. It jumped out somehow. How come it jumped out?

[NJ Devils Fan]

One of the most common areas is by the filter output sinse there is an oppening between the cover and the filter.

[pcdoctor]

There is an opening there. But why do you think it could have jumped out?

[NJ Devils Fan]

What are your water parameters?

[pcdoctor]

??

[Manix]

The PH of your tanks water. Also the Ammonia level, nitrite level, nitrate level.

If there is too much ammonia in the water or if the PH is too low (on the acidic side) your fish may have jumped to excape the uncomfortable water. How long has your tank been set up?

I had a common pleco that actually climbed up the waterfall of the powerfilter and went into the filter before.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Also, what is the temperature?

[pcdoctor]

This tank has been setup for about almost 2 years now. I don't know a whole lot about the PH, but what I was told was that it maybe hard water. The temperature range is between 75 and 90 degrees. This tank is on an upstairs of an apartment. The water cools down when the a/c is on. Otherwise, it can get really hot. We lose fish mostly in the summer. The gravel was recently vaccumed and the filter in my Aquaclear was changed about a week ago.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Well, I would suggest you buy some test kits so we might be able to help you if there is a problem. The reason you lose fish in the summer is because it obviously gets too hot and temperature changes are stressful. I would strongly recommend a chiller for your tank to keep it at a constant temperature.

[pcdoctor]

I didn't think there was an item called a chiller.

[BigFishDude]

You might also want to setup a small fan to blow across your water surface instead of the chiller, as they can be quite expensive.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Yes, they do have chillers to cool the water and they are a bit expensive. I myself have a fan directed to the inch and a half opening in the back of my tank and the the lights to keep the water cool during the day. If you do not want to spend the money on a chiller, then definetly put a fan over the surface of the water. 90+ degrees is just too hot for any fish.

[Sensei_the_dojo]

If your lighting is incandescent you might consider changing to flourescent or going without, that could also help lower the temp a few degrees.

Also you might add some airstones or something else to keep your water circulating more. Oxygen depletes faster in warm water; increasing circulation helps add oxygen back to it.

[TKOS]

If he just gravel vacuum and changed the filter cart. in his HOB then there may have been a new cycle and with increased temps the raise in ammonia levels may have been too much for mr pleco.

I would suggest you do not change the filter media unless absolutely necessary. Just rinse it out with old tank water during water changes. It is a valuable source of important bacteria. There is no need for new media unless you are wishing to get rid of medications.

My brother keeps his ac on a timer so that it will come on for a bit at the hottest part of the day and cools his tanks down.

[Dabbler II]

On a side step to stay away from the "water parameter boogie man". I have seen my Pleco go up for a big gulp of air a few times each day. He races up gets his gulp of air and goes back to his zucchini . He might have sliped out through a hole in your cover then:(

[ROLLIN]

I have a 10 inch common pleco in an uncovered tank, I hope he doesnt decide to take a leap of faith.