How to keep critters out of over-flow

[hurrifan]

I bought a used 180 AGA with twin over-flows. Both over-flows have the u-shaped black plastic covering knocked out. THis u is where the AGA return sprayer is supposed to go. I am continually fishing out snails, hermits, and fish from this overflow. The u is below the water level. What is the most effective way to protect of cover this area? I was thinking screeing, glued to the plastic, but am afraid of inhibiting the function of the filtration system by retaining large pieces of "stuff" in the tank. Any suggestion? Please advise.

 

[esmithiii]

I use two 1" pieces of PVC with a small piece cut out parallel to the length of the cylender so that it forms a "C" which I placed over the knock outs. This is the best I could come up after having a small fish get chopped up by my return pump.

 

[esmithiii]

You can see one in the upper left hand corner of the following picture:

 

[fishpoo]

i use a piece of what looks like eggcrate only the holes are smaller. The squares are about 1/2" each. You may find it at HD. I took it out of an old wet/dry. Cut it exact size of overflow inside tank. works great for me.

 

[Anonymous]

I used a plastic mesh material that you can buy in 9x12 sheets from art supply stores. I'm not quite sure what they are used for, but they have all sorts of colors. It worked perfectly for keeping my clownfish out of the overflow. Just superglue it to the ends of the box after you drop the water level. Leave it until it cures (I think superglue is like 20 minutes to cure), then start it back up.

 

[hurrifan]

Thanks for all the input. I jammed a bio-ball in each knock-out temporarily and it seems to be working just fine. I will get more high-tech soon.

 

[jethro]

Get some PVC end covers and drill some small holes.