Escape-Proofing the Aquarium

[Calico Goat]

I installed a new filter in my 5gal, and to keep my bichir from jumping out I cut up a Target bag and taped a temporary "cover" over the empty space. Just wondering what I could use to make a more permanent cover, of if I could just leave that one on?

By the way, the filter isn't working anyway, no matter that it's set up as it should be AND I've plugged it into two different outlets already...

 

[cgrabe]

For a tank that small, I think a piece of "plastic canvas" (used for needlework) cut to fit would work really well. It's pretty easy to work with and would allow air flow. You might need some little clips or something to hold it down though since it's fairly light. Another option would be plexiglass if you have the tools to cut it.

 

[Calico Goat]

Do you think embroidery cloth would work? I'd worry about it getting moldy...

 

[Calico Goat]

...Or are we thinking of the same thing...

 

[cgrabe]

I'm not sure. I don't really know what embroidery cloth is. The plastic canvas I mentioned is like a plastic sheet with many small square holes in it. It may be the same idea as embroidery cloth but made of plastic rather than cotton, polyester, or whatever.

 

[Calico Goat]

I'll look for it, thanks...^_^ So the target bag can stay in the meantime?

 

[cgrabe]

My only concern with the bag is that it may prevent the water from exchanging gasses past a certain point, but I'm no expert. Is the water running through the filter exposed to the outside air or something? You can probably just watch and make sure he doesn't start gasping at the surface or something.

 

[Calico Goat]

No, the filter doesn't work, but the aerator is running. He's doing fine.

 

[WinterWind]

It's not a very good idea to keep a bichir in a 5 gallon...definetely too small unless you are upgrading soon. Senegal bichirs can grow up to 12 inches long.

 

[TorturedSOUL]

For a tank that small, I think a piece of "plastic canvas" (used for needlework) cut to fit would work really well. It's pretty easy to work with and would allow air flow. You might need some little clips or something to hold it down though since it's fairly light. Another option would be plexiglass if you have the tools to cut it.

I use this too... any hobby store like Michaels will carry it.