My fish jumped out!

tamand5 · Jul 10, 2016

So i have a male fairy wrasse that jumped out of my tank today. Fortunately I heard it and ran over right away and put him back in my tank. He seems to be breathing hard and hiding behind my live rock but he came out to eat and swam in the open occasionally. Will he be ok? Any advice?

Robink · Jul 10, 2016

Just watch him. Most likely he'll be alright. May want to get a screen. BRS has diy screen covers.

saltyhog · Jul 10, 2016

If he was out of the water for a short time he should be fine. They tend to become really shy and reclusive for a few days after this happens. Wrasses are frequent jumpers, especially around feeding time or if they are excited. You have to have a cover for your tank if you want to keep wrasses. DIY screens from BRS are easy to do and look good.

Robink beat me to it! Here's a picture of my screen tops.

tamand5 · Jul 10, 2016

Ok thanks i will look into that and make one!

Salty1962 · Jul 11, 2016

+1 on screen top. All wrasses are notorious jumpers and without a screen top you'll eventually lose them.

Pruett-nc · Jul 11, 2016

There is also a thread on here where a guy is making custom made tops with screening . Depends on your funds and how particular you are with the look .

eatbreakfast · Jul 11, 2016

If it is already swimming around it will be fine.

Even if it has been out of the water for a few minutes, holding it face first in the flow can help resuscitate them.

4FordFamily · Jul 11, 2016

You'll need a mesh lid of some sort to contain wrasse long term. He will likely be fine this time.

smh254 · Jul 11, 2016

Check out these guys.
http://artfullyacrylic.3dcartstores.com/ClearView-Lids_c_52.html

tamand5 · Jul 11, 2016

Well as of today he seems normal so that is a plus! I am gonna do some research and get a lid...i have some hoods but the lights in them arent all that great.

jd371 · Jul 11, 2016

I've used this with a DIY frame from Lowes.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OABXY9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Salty1962 · Jul 11, 2016

tamand5 said:
Well as of today he seems normal so that is a plus! I am gonna do some research and get a lid...i have some hoods but the lights in them arent all that great.

There are still many places in a hood that they can get through. You'd be very surprised at what they can get through. If your going to keep Wrasses, you need a tight fitting screen top. There are places where you can purchase the framing and material and DIY or you could go with a custom setup. Depends on how in love you are with wrasses. Just a little info that may save you some frustrations in the future