Almost had an absolute 'mare when I got home yesterday.

Noticed the pump was struggling cos the filter inlet grill was blocked with leaves. Took the lid off so I could get at the blockage. Grabbed the leaves and turned the top bit of the filter round. Pump starts spurting out a proper amount of water.

Then I realise I'd inadvertently knocked the sieve containing the ickle babby fishes and they were now roaming around in the main tank, being pursued by the bigger fish who have a bit of an appetite for them.

Quickly grabbed a scoopy spoon from the kitchen and started trying to retrieve them. Managed to get the first 3 but there was no sign of the other 2.

Was thinking how to explain the loss to the missus. Would have been a pleasant experience, no doubt.

Finally managed to spot another one and fended off the other fish until I could scoop it up. After about another ten minutes the last one appeared and eventually they were all back in. Job well done but quite fortunate that the other fish didn't scoff any of them.

Due to do another water change tomorrow. Got to put more in than we take out as there's been quite a bit of evaporation over the last week or so.