Clown in overflow

[zbrusko]

So my clown somehow got into my overflow box. She’s about 3-4” . The problem is that the tank is built in to the wall & it is very difficult to access the overflow area. In fact, I needed to use a mirror to confirm she was back there. My lights are on a bar that spans the tank, making it even harder to access. Here are some photos. I fear I need to take the lights off & pull the drain pipes. I may need the folks who did the install to help me out here. And of course, find a way to cover the overflow. I didn’t know clowns jump.

 

[eggie]

Get a little net and shut down the tank try giving him pellets and should come right up

 

[JayM]

Get a piece of hose she’ll fit through, and siphon her into a bucket or the sump.

 

[zbrusko]

It is virtually impossible for me to access the overflow in a way to get her out via net. The siphon idea is not bad, but seeing into the box is impossible without a mirror. I may need to pull the standpipe and catch her in the sump. It’s a long & twisty ride to the basement, though. Checking with the guys who installed the tank. Hoping they can offer some assistance.

 

[tzabor10]

I had a similar issue. I turned off the return flow.
Then disconnected the drain lines. Removed the pvc. Then used a stick to push the wrasse into one of the holes. My wife caught him in a souvenir Red Sox helmet. It was a complete pain. Then reassembled the drainage. Turned back the flow. Now we have a net over the overflow. Good luck.

 

[eggie]

It is virtually impossible for me to access the overflow in a way to get her out via net. The siphon idea is not bad, but seeing into the box is impossible without a mirror. I may need to pull the standpipe and catch her in the sump. It’s a long & twisty ride to the basement, though. Checking with the guys who installed the tank. Hoping they can offer some assistance.

Dont you a have a ladder or a stand you could lay your body in top of the tank I have done it before in a 120 gallon with 2 overflows on the side thru the front glass. Im 5' 6" 150 pounds if that helps

 

[zbrusko]

It is virtually impossible for me to access the overflow in a way to get her out via net. The siphon idea is not bad, but seeing into the box is impossible without a mirror. I may need to pull the standpipe and catch her in the sump. It’s a long & twisty ride to the basement, though. Checking with the guys who installed the tank. Hoping they can offer some assistance.

Dont you a have a ladder or a stand you could lay your body in top of the tank I have done it before in a 120 gallon with 2 overflows on the side thru the front glass. Im 5' 6" 150 pounds if that helps

I have a step stool to get up there, but the framing around the tank is higher than the top of the tank, so there’s no getting in there any more than I can lean. It’s a tight squeeze below the lights.

 

[zbrusko]

I had a similar issue. I turned off the return flow.
Then disconnected the drain lines. Removed the pvc. Then used a stick to push the wrasse into one of the holes. My wife caught him in a souvenir Red Sox helmet. It was a complete pain. Then reassembled the drainage. Turned back the flow. Now we have a net over the overflow. Good luck.

This is likely my fate one evening this week.

 

[eggie]

I have a step stool to get up there, but the framing around the tank is higher than the top of the tank, so there’s no getting in there any more than I can lean. It’s a tight squeeze below the lights.

You mean the lights don't slide to the back ?

 

[zbrusko]

I have a step stool to get up there, but the framing around the tank is higher than the top of the tank, so there’s no getting in there any more than I can lean. It’s a tight squeeze below the lights.

You mean the lights don't slide to the back ?

I’d need to loosen the attachment & I can move or take down the frame.

 

[RobertK]

My royal gramma was in the overflow for 2 months before I realized it. I thought he was dead. I removed the standpipe and tried to flush him down into the sump and catch him with a net as he emerged. But when I removed the standpipe and all the water drained out of the overflow the fish did not go into the drain. The bulkhead at the bottom of the overflow was slightly raised and the fish got caught against the bulkhead and was just laying there without any water. I had to gently push him into the drain pipe with a stick. Be ready in case that happens to you too! And in my case it was easier than for you, as my sump is right under the tank in the stand, and it is a corner overflow so I can see into it. Good luck! Save the clownfish!

 

[zbrusko]

My royal gramma was in the overflow for 2 months before I realized it. I thought he was dead. I removed the standpipe and tried to flush him down into the sump and catch him with a net as he emerged. But when I removed the standpipe and all the water drained out of the overflow the fish did not go into the drain. The bulkhead at the bottom of the overflow was slightly raised and the fish got caught against the bulkhead and was just laying there without any water. I had to gently push him into the drain pipe with a stick. Be ready in case that happens to you too! And in my case it was easier than for you, as my sump is right under the tank in the stand, and it is a corner overflow so I can see into it. Good luck! Save the clownfish!

I’ve done this exact same thing with my Malawi tank. Not being able to see into the overflow box in this case while also working in the overflow box worries me. I can look in with a mirror, not sure how to move the fish with a stick without a 3rd arm (I need a support arm while looking back there)! Hearing yours lasted months means I don’t need to panic! I’ve got time to figure out a plan!

 

[edd59]

why was the tank installed in such a way that you cant get to the overflow. it needs to be cleaned periodically, or what if you have a leaky bulkhead or something, you have to pull the tank out?

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I made covers out of Black ABS Sheet, from Amazon. Made them with a slight overhang, to keep the light from the Weir Teeth, to stop them from clogging with Algae. To keep them in place Gel Super Glued strips of ABS on the insides.

 

[Mark Goode]

I had the same problem, with the same access issues. I pushed a length of pipe (3/4" I think) to the bottom of the overflow, and blew down the other end. Hard. Out she popped...

 

[tzabor10]

I had the same problem, with the same access issues. I pushed a length of pipe (3/4" I think) to the bottom of the overflow, and blew down the other end. Hard. Out she popped...

Air stone might be a possibility. I have seen it work on tv

 

[zbrusko]

why was the tank installed in such a way that you cant get to the overflow. it needs to be cleaned periodically, or what if you have a leaky bulkhead or something, you have to pull the tank out?

Good questions. I had it “professionally” installed. I’m realizing now that there were some oversights.

 

[zbrusko]

I made covers out of Black ABS Sheet, from Amazon. Made them with a slight overhang, to keep the light from the Weir Teeth, to stop them from clogging with Algae. To keep them in place Gel Super Glued strips of ABS on the insides.

Definitely on my todo list ASAP

 

[zbrusko]

I had the same problem, with the same access issues. I pushed a length of pipe (3/4" I think) to the bottom of the overflow, and blew down the other end. Hard. Out she popped...

Air stone might be a possibility. I have seen it work on tv

Interesting!

 

[UncommonSense]

My lungfish used to do this regularly in my FW system… I quickly gave up on trying to siphon or net him out around all the plumbing, and instead opted to just scoop him out by hand! — you can “work by braille” remarkably well, after some practice!