Creative ways to get fish out of corner overflow

linus.chan · Feb 6, 2018

In the past i have had fish jump into the corner overflow on occasion, but usually within a week they usually escape back into the DT.

This time, my pintail wrasse has been in there for quite some time, and i am looking for any creative ways to get him out.

I know there is the pull the standpipe method, i am just worried he won't make it into the pipe, and i don' have a good way to reach to the bottom of the corner overflow. (It is awkwardly placed). I have heard about sand/marbles into the corner overflow, but that would permanently reduce volume, and i am not sure i want to do that.

I know i am reaching here, but just thought i would check.

Greybeard · Feb 6, 2018

The marbles thing works... and you can remove them afterwards... but if you can't get into the corner, well, that'd make it more than a bit inconvenient

Can you remove the weir going into the overflow? Give him some room, maybe he'll get out on his own?

Once you've got him out, a bit of plastic canvas or screen would seem to be in order, see if you can keep 'em from going in there again.

cFloor · Feb 6, 2018

I usually drain most of the overflow so there's less water for the fish to swim around in. With a net, its usually pretty easy to catch them.

cmcoker · Feb 6, 2018

If you use sand, I'd think you could siphon it back out once the fish is out.

Baldguy · Feb 6, 2018

I've used small nets to get a few out. Takes a few attempts but works sooner or later. Some have used a hook.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/removing-a-wrasse-using-a-hook.320279/

revhtree · Feb 6, 2018

How big is the wrasse?

I have used a tube to siphon a smaller fish out before.

saltyhog · Feb 6, 2018

revhtree said:
How big is the wrasse?

I have used a tube to siphon a smaller fish out before.

Rev's slurp gun method! LOL

revhtree · Feb 6, 2018

saltyhog said:
Rev's slurp gun method! LOL

HAHA! Yes a slurp gun!!

Jesterrace · Feb 6, 2018

I would say draining the water would be best and a tiny net unless it's big. I also am intrigued by the marble method. Out of curiosity, is your tank covered?

goatcorals · Feb 6, 2018

I’ve taken the water down so low by siphoning the overflow I was able to reach my hand down there and carefully gab them (once a rosey headed wrass and once a six line). Not a good plan with a foxface obviously.

linus.chan · Feb 7, 2018

my tank is covered, i will try the small nets- the fish is about 2 inches long

JoeIII · Feb 8, 2018

I pull the standpipe, then scoop water into the overflow with a cup until they go down.
It seems it takes two trips down the overflow for a new wrasse to learn better than to jump in there for us.