Neon tetra, jumpers?

[Cerianthus]

You misunderstood. Dropping 1" wouldn't help because the neon's are bottom dwellers. By the time they reach the top they would have reached their top speed. I would have to drop the tank level significantly to compensate for this.

Unfortunately nothing but an assumption as neons are not torpedo aiming for the top. Their courtship behavior is not as active as some other species, splashing tetra for an example. Reading materials and assumption based on such doesnt come close to actual experiences. Try as I have for many yrs and I would do whatever I can in order to prevent carpet diving but again theyre your fish and your call.

Good Luck with the rest!

 

[prober]

Cut some plexiglass to fit the top, glue some dowel rod across it to keep it from sagging and it will solve your problem for about $5.

And you will have less evaporation as a side benefit.