how to move fish without a net

[ReefJonser]

ive been asked to move small gobies from a 10-g aquaria without a net, and would be very appreciative of any advice. i will remove everything from the tank; no gravel, no rocks, etc. but without a net, i am not sure how to trap a fish!

heavy duty square-bottom transport bags?
some sort of cup?

thanks in advance!!

[scooter31707]

this what I use.

http://www.target.com/p/joseph-joseph-square-colander-small-black/-/A-17208334

[GimpyFin]

Use a net to guide them into a small acrylic box or plastic container. Once they're in, just flip the container up and cover with the net until it's out of the water. You're still using a net, just not catching them with it. The small colander is a good idea roo.

[ReefJonser]

scooter - thanks for the link!
Gimpy - i like your idea, bc the argument is that ANY touching of the fish is bad.

cheers, darren

[mcgyvr]

bc the argument is that ANY touching of the fish is bad.
.
That argument is silly IMO...
What happens if it touches the side of the container you are putting it into?

[Jah2707]

this what I use.

http://www.target.com/p/joseph-joseph-square-colander-small-black/-/A-17208334

I use something similar. I hate nets. So often gills or fins get stuck.

[GimpyFin]

.
That argument is silly IMO...
What happens if it touches the side of the container you are putting it into?


I tend to agree. I can honestly say I've never harmed one of my fish with a net, my hands, or otherwise. Just being careful, whatever method you choose, is most important, IME.

[lg2725]

I am using the square colander Scooter gave you the link for for TTM and it has worked perfectly. Afterwards, just clean it in some water/vinegar mixture and let it dry.

[mcgyvr]

Just being careful, whatever method you choose, is most important, IME.
yep.. Just be careful..

Sure.. maybe don't use hundred foot long nets that you leave for days to attempt capture fish in the wild.. But in a fish tank for a few seconds is goofy..

[Ghost25]

You can just use a large cup to catch them, or since your tank is so small and won't have anything else in it you can just remove most of the water and pour the fish and remaining water into a bag.

[Trops]

I've always used what my LFS uses - Lee's Specimen Containers (they have different sizes). They are cheap and the handle thing on the side comes in handy a lot of the times. Also use these to drip acclimate any (small) newcomers.

https://www.amazon.com/Lees-Convalescent-Home-Specimen-Container/dp/B0002APRLK

Maybe I missed something, but usually if you "touch" a fish it's not bad for them. The only exception would be if the fish is venomous or if it can bite you! But otherwise most fish are not going to be affected by coming into contact with you. I wouldn't recommend trying to pick them out of the tank with your hands, but rubbing against your hands isn't going to hurt them in any way.

[CStrickland]

There's two diff issues at play here I think. The first being a general mythology about touching fish, which Hemingway wrote about in a short story even. When you are doing catch and release fishing for sport you are supposed to never touch a fish with bare hands, or dry hands, etc. The idea being that you will leave a gap in their immunity where infection can set it. Poppa wrote about finding healthy fish dead with fingerprints on their sides.

The second is more pertinent. When you trap a fish in a net it goes batshit. That's not good for the fish, because it's scales and fins can snag on the fabric and tear off. So you have a site primed for infection and a stressed patient, not a good combo.

This will all be much easier if you remove almost all the water from the tank. Leave them like 4" of water to run from you in.

For larger fish I like to gently scoop them in my hands. I tease them close with tasty food and then sort of trap them against the glass and slide them up to the surface. If you do it carefully and with patience they kindve submit. For littler fish a colander is a good option, or any old takeout container or Tupperware with holes poked in it (smaller than the fish obvi).

Maybe it goes without saying, but if there isn't a concern about transferring water, just scoop him up and dump him where he needs to be. Usually when people ask these questions they're fighting a disease and trying to minimize the water transferred. If you're just upgrading tanks or something, use like a lemonade pitcher. The fish won't know what hit them if the salinity, temp, and alk are matched. Rig a trap door on it and feed them in there for 2 days. Then on day three, drop the hatch, scoop them up, and dump them in their new home.

[niladride]

^

I have always handheld my fishes carefully to release them into or take out from the aquarium in last 5+ years, I never harmed anyone till date. I do not think its risky, just at the initial stage the fish will show some resistance, rapid movements but within few seconds they generally become still once you cover them with the hand.

I found net to be problematic as I had initially tried to net fishes but a couple of times, the fish fin got stuck in the net and injured the fish to some extent. I quit using nets after that. I wear gloves mostly.

[ReefJonser]

Thank You All for all the great tips!!

CStrickland - I think this post best summarizes my thoughts/views. I am dealing with Blue-Banded Gobies, and they need to be moved to upgraded tanks. Youtube DIY fish traps seem like a cool alternative, being very passive. Time is not critical, however, if it takes all day to catch 1 fish, the 20+ i have to move could be problematic. My inclination is to lower the water level to 4 inches, and try and scoop them up with either a very think back, or square water pitcher.

Ill post back when complete

[snorvich]

I am using the square colander Scooter gave you the link for for TTM and it has worked perfectly. Afterwards, just clean it in some water/vinegar mixture and let it dry.

This.

[ClownMan727]

Just drain the tank until you can catch them with your hand and move them. Don't try to overthink these things too much.

[Joe0813]

I just use my hand or use my hand to guide the fish into a plastic container

[Sonyardo]

I also use the net to chase them into the plastic specimen holder. A low tide event can make things a bit easier in a pinch.

[scooter31707]

I learned my lesson very fast when I caught a fish with my hands. Got a nice cut from a yellow tang.