Blocking Overflows From Eel... How?

[Madding]

I'm trying to think of a way to keep my 22" indian mottled eel out of my two corner overflows.

It really likes it in there because it's basically a cave to live in, but the problem is that it never comes out. Maybe once a month it comes out, swims around a little bit, then goes back in. The space between the plastic teeth of the overflow and the aquarium lid is less than an inch, but the eel squeezes in and out without effort.

I can't just cover it because the piping comes up higher than the edge, so I'd have to build around it.

Has anyone ever had to build a blockade like this before? Should I just accept my fate of the eel living in the overflow? it is a very strong fish and I am not sure what sort of thing it won't be able to break through.

Any advice is appreciated-

 

[scrup]

I use gutterguard to keep fish out of my overflows. Works pretty well.

 

[Madding]

How do you fasten it down? The rim is always wet from the water pouring through the teeth, so I'm not sure how to stick something to it.

 

[Akabir47]

How do you fasten it down? The rim is always wet from the water pouring through the teeth, so I'm not sure how to stick something to it.

Zip ties?

 

[scrup]

I use zipties mostly. Silicone would work, but drying time might make this not an option. If looks aren't a terrible concern 2 part epoxy would hold it.

 

[Tom LoFaro]

If the gutter guard doesn't work you can try to make a plastic lid that rests on top of the teeth and cut holes where the plumbing is

 

[Madding]

If the gutter guard doesn't work you can try to make a plastic lid that rests on top of the teeth and cut holes where the plumbing is

This and the gutter guard sound like good ideas, I can't imagine where I would fasten zipties though so I'd need to attempt silicone. I'll let you guys know if anything materializes.

My only fear after doing this is that the eel grows restless and pushes his way out of the tank and onto the floor.

 

[scrup]

you couldn't loop the zip ties around the teeth?

If it is inside the overflow marine epoxy would work perfectly (it cures underwater just fine, non toxic)

 

[Madding]

Around the teeth would work, I think. (self duh)

Now the only problem is waiting for the eel to come out before I can attempt it. It's basically impossible to get it out myself.

 

[Jgray152]

Need to see pics of the eel