Gone With The Intake

The aquatic misadventures we've been experiencing are starting to sound like a bad murder novel. Our most senior frog, Sandy, was found dead after a brief search.

Remember how I was all sad when my good buddy Duke died? And how I was going to be a better landlord for my little froggies? Well, I cleaned their tank, bought them a filter, got a new cleaning crew (our third snail, Trip. Great name, right?!) and established a cleaning schedule.

But yesterday our newest frog, Jet, swam quickly into a hiding place at feeding time. Sandy was nowhere to be seen, either. After checking the usual hiding places - temple, pot, behind the heater - neither frog could be found... until I saw a leg inside the filter intake. Sandy was halfway in the tube. I frantically removed the filter, hoping for the best, but instead discovered the worst.

Perhaps the filter's intake is a little too strong, or perhaps its aperture a little too wide. Regardless, our little friend had become stuck and died.

Or did she?
Why was Jet hiding? Perhaps he overwhelmed his tankmate in a jealous rage and tried to hide the body.
I'll be watching you, Jet. And I'll be missing you, Sandy. I don't know what new life forms will occupy the tank, but there will be a healthy, crime-free environment inside that tank. This I pledge.

After all, tomorrow is another day.