Fish in Overflow

[MadReefer]

I think my wrasse may have jumped into the overflow chamber. I tried to look in but I am to short even with a step stool leaning over.
My question is can I stop the pump and pull the tube out of the overflow so it drains into my sump or do I need to disassemble the bottom bulk head?
I will put a net underneath just in case it is there.

Thanks,
Mark V

 

[mwil79]

I had to turn off the pump and drain the back section. You will risk getting him stuck in the pipe and clogging everything.

 

[MadReefer]

I had to turn off the pump and drain the back section. You will risk getting him stuck in the pipe and clogging everything.

So guess its money down the drain, so to speak.

I can't get a net in there, even a small one. Just wish I could see in it and check.

 

[MadReefer]

I should of mentioned the fish is only 2 or 2.5 inches long. I also have a flex hose I can stretch out.

 

[reefsandrotts]

Can you take a top down photo into the overflow with your phone?
Just turn the pump off so the water isn't being g disturbed

 

[MadReefer]

Can you take a top down photo into the overflow with your phone?
Just turn the pump off so the water isn't being g disturbed

Can try that.

 

[Ultimate Corals]

Leave the pump on, pull the drain pipe and it will create a toilet bowl flush effect and the fish will get pulled down to the sump.

 

[MadReefer]

Leave the pump on, pull the drain pipe and it will create a toilet bowl flush effect and the fish will get pulled down to the sump.

So I can just pull the drain pipe and not touch the bulk head underneath?

 

[mike devlin]

This happens all the time, the drain pipe shouldn’t be glued, most of the time the return lines are because the are pressurized by the pump.. so what I do more than I could tell ya is, turn pump off, pull drain pipe off but hold it right above the bulkhead like 1/4-1/2 inch off the top of the bulkhead essentially hovering over it so the fish can’t get sucked down n the water will drain.. once all water is drained out put the pipe back in so the fish can’t get in the drain line n grab the fish.. u can get ur arm back there with the pipes

 

[MadReefer]

This happens all the time, the drain pipe shouldn’t be glued, most of the time the return lines are because the are pressurized by the pump.. so what I do more than I could tell ya is, turn pump off, pull drain pipe off but hold it right above the bulkhead like 1/4-1/2 inch off the top of the bulkhead essentially hovering over it so the fish can’t get sucked down n the water will drain.. once all water is drained out put the pipe back in so the fish can’t get in the drain line n grab the fish.. u can get ur arm back there with the pipes

Unfortunately, that won't work for me. Tank is in a tight spot and have to access from front. I am to short to lean over and reach in.

 

[Ultimate Corals]

So I can just pull the drain pipe and not touch the bulk head underneath?

Correct. Your just gonna pull the pipe up and gravity will force the fish down the drain