Trapped Clown Fish

[SAM89]

I have two clown fish trapped in internal overflow box in my aquarium. The box is very narrow and deep. It’s been impossible to catch them with nets. Anyone have any ideas as to how I might get them out another way? Thanks

 

[Peace River]

If you bend up a net it can be helpful to trap or direct a fish even if you cant catch it in the net. Additionally, if you can maintain the flow of water into the overflow and if you have a tube/hose that is bigger than the fish then you may be able to get the fish out with a syphon. Although this still isn't easy it has worked for me in the past. Good luck!

 

[sfin52]

Can you catch them by hand?

 

[Tonycass12]

If the overflow is really narrow get some sponges or algae cleaning pads and start stuffing em down one side. Fill the void from one side then bottom up. You will get those suckers. I had this happen to me w my first aquarium over 10 yrs ago. I thought my clowns died and got eaten, they were living and growing in my overflow for almost 6 months before I realized.

You may need some tongs to get the sponges/pads back out. I hope this works for you. The alternative is kill the flow and use grocery bags. Ive used that method as well to help catch fish in the tank. just toss a small rock in them so they pull towards the bottom.

 

[Tired]

A smaller net, or just your hand if you can get it in there. Try luring them to the surface with food.

 

[SAM89]

If you bend up a net it can be helpful to trap or direct a fish even if you cant catch it in the net. Additionally, if you can maintain the flow of water into the overflow and if you have a tube/hose that is bigger than the fish then you may be able to get the fish out with a syphon. Although this still isn't easy it has worked for me in the past. Good luck!

Thank you. I’ll give that a try.

 

[SAM89]

If the overflow is really narrow get some sponges or algae cleaning pads and start stuffing em down one side. Fill the void from one side then bottom up. You will get those suckers. I had this happen to me w my first aquarium over 10 yrs ago. I thought my clowns died and got eaten, they were living and growing in my overflow for almost 6 months before I realized.

You may need some tongs to get the sponges/pads back out. I hope this works for you. The alternative is kill the flow and use grocery bags. Ive used that method as well to help catch fish in the tank. just toss a small rock in them so they pull towards the bottom.

Thank you. Good idea. I’ll give that a try.

 

[SAM89]

A smaller net, or just your hand if you can get it in there. Try luring them to the surface with food.

Thank you.

 

[SAM89]

A smaller net, or just your hand if you can get it in there. Try luring them to the surface with food.

Thank you.

 

[ScubaFish802]

In addition to the idea above to fill the space with sponges or something - you could turn the pump off and siphon out the water in your overflow to lessen the space it has to evade the net

 

[SAM89]

In addition to the idea above to fill the space with sponges or something - you could turn the pump off and siphon out the water in your overflow to lessen the space it has to evade the net

Thanks so much. I’ll try that as well.

 

[SAM89]

If the overflow is really narrow get some sponges or algae cleaning pads and start stuffing em down one side. Fill the void from one side then bottom up. You will get those suckers. I had this happen to me w my first aquarium over 10 yrs ago. I thought my clowns died and got eaten, they were living and growing in my overflow for almost 6 months before I realized.

You may need some tongs to get the sponges/pads back out. I hope this works for you. The alternative is kill the flow and use grocery bags. Ive used that method as well to help catch fish in the tank. just toss a small rock in them so they pull towards the bottom.

Got them out. Thank you.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have two clown fish trapped in internal overflow box in my aquarium. The box is very narrow and deep. It’s been impossible to catch them with nets. Anyone have any ideas as to how I might get them out another way? Thanks

I used a brine shrimp net (2") when this happened to me. Siphon is another option but Can cause injury

 

[Peace River]

Got them out. Thank you.