What do you guys use to protect your birds from getting in the tank?

[TikiLola]

I probably will be getting a 40 gallon today. If I do, it will have to go in my bedroom with the birds. I wanted to keep it open top, but obviously can't with the birds being free flighted and pretty much out all day. There are glass tops, but so far, they all seem to only cover part of the tanks and there is a gap that is plastic. I haven't seen any in person yet, so don't really know. I may have to make something myself, but again, not sure what. Possibly plexiglass.
Please let me know what you all have done, if you keep(or have kept)fish in the same room as your birds.
Any & all advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[waterfaller1]

Get a sheet of eggcrate. That way the tank can still get light and gas exchange. Plexi or glass prevents this very important process. The eggcrate is sold at home improvement stores as ceiling diffuser. It is easily cut, but pieces go flying in every direction as you clip, so do it someplace where you can clean up easy. Like outside or in a garage. You can remove it when the birds are not out.

 

[Minimac]

You can use one of these. http://www.petco.com/product/4357/Petco-Heat-Resistant-Screen-Top.asp . That way you get plenty of Co2 exchange
and it will keep the birds safe. Is it a 40 long or a 40 breeder? If it's a breeder then the 36x18 will fit. If it's a 40 long then 48x13. Most larger pet stores have them in
the reptile section.

 

[Minimac]

Looks like Carole beat me to it. Eggcrate works great also. Sometimes it's hard to get to fit properly though.

 

[TikiLola]

Get a sheet of eggcrate. That way the tank can still get light and gas exchange. Plexi or glass prevents this very important process. The eggcrate is sold at home improvement stores as ceiling diffuser. It is easily cut, but pieces go flying in every direction as you clip, so do it someplace where you can clean up easy. Like outside or in a garage. You can remove it when the birds are not out.

Thank you so much Carole!

 

[waterfaller1]

here..it even comes in black eggcrate on aquarium - Google Search

 

[TikiLola]

You can use one of these. http://www.petco.com/product/4357/Petco-Heat-Resistant-Screen-Top.asp . That way you get plenty of Co2 exchange
and it will keep the birds safe. Is it a 40 long or a 40 breeder? If it's a breeder then the 36x18 will fit. If it's a 40 long then 48x13. Most larger pet stores have them in
the reptile section.

Probably a breeder. I have one of those on the 10 gallon and it's starting to rust. I know my 4 will be investigating it as some point so was a little concerned about the galvanized wire too. The egg grate won't be too pretty, but I'll take it. (And with me cutting it, I'm sure it will be pretty unsightly!)

 

[waterfaller1]

The nice thing about it is you can make tight cuts in it for the filter, cords, etc. It is much sturdier than the reptile screens.

 

[TikiLola]

here..it even comes in black eggcrate on aquarium - Google Search

Oooooh! Maybe my cutting job won't be too obvious then!

 

[Minimac]

You can get them powder coated if I am not mistaken. You are probably better off with the eggcrate just to be on the safe side. I hadn't thought about the birds
getting at it just keeping them out of the tank.

 

[waterfaller1]

If you google there are articles, ideas, and videos probably even. People have been using this stuff a long time for tanks, especially SW fish who tend to be super jumpy. Some attach bridal veil to it for the smaller fish. I did that for bettas, like this

 

[thekarens]

If you have smaller birds I'd definitely add the veil. We had egg crate on our 135g because our wrasse liked to jump. I'm pretty sure some of the smaller guys could get through there if they wanted to.

 

[GuineaPigster]

OMG you lucky duck!!

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

Correct me if I'm wrong. Not only do you have to protect your birds from falling into a tank and drowning or drinking the water but isn't bird poo in a tank harmful for the fish? I would think it could introduce a harmful bacteria in the water and a whole new set of problems for fish keeping.

 

[tozie12]

when i had my salt water tanks i used egg crate. it worked wonderfully.

 

[waterfaller1]

Correct me if I'm wrong. Not only do you have to protect your birds from falling into a tank and drowning or drinking the water but isn't bird poo in a tank harmful for the fish? I would think it could introduce a harmful bacteria in the water and a whole new set of problems for fish keeping.

It is sort of scary for the birds. It's a good deterrent to keep them off. Kind of like how cows don't cross those gates with the grate across them....usually. I am sure there are some birds out there who just have to get into everything no matter what, but usually this is sufficient to keep them off. It's generally used just to keep fish from jumping out.

 

[TikiLola]

Correct me if I'm wrong. Not only do you have to protect your birds from falling into a tank and drowning or drinking the water but isn't bird poo in a tank harmful for the fish? I would think it could introduce a harmful bacteria in the water and a whole new set of problems for fish keeping.

I still plan on using paper on the areas the birds target.

 

[TikiLola]

OMG you lucky duck!!

It will be Gumdrop's new home!





He's in the 10G betta tank at the moment.

 

[GuineaPigster]

I'm sorry, but why is he on the floor with cats?

 

[GuineaPigster]

Dogs lol!!