Larry Soderblom
09/26/2006, 10:15 PM
So here’s the design for my underwater version of the old fashioned box-stick-string fish trap (in my photo gallery). You’ll need a small semi-transparent plastic storage box with a hinged lid. It needs to be big enough for your quarry and small enough to fit in your tank. I found a variety of small sizes at craft, sewing, and office-supply stores. Perforate the top with lots of small holes to allow the lid to slam shut. One small hole in the side for your fishing line; a slab of dense inert ballast (I found a small leftover piece of Corian kitchen counter top); some strong rubber bands and a stick and you’re all set.
As I said it worked really well for a wily high-velocity 5-inch lunare wrasse. To get started I set the trap and placed my fishes’ food in the bottom of the trap for a few days and to let them get used to it. The wrasse got away the first couple of times I sprung the trap---he was fast enough to get out if he was anywhere near an exit. I waited until he was facing inward and downward, away from the lid opening, feeding on the bottom. He’s now been back to the marine aquarium store and into a new home. Good luck---I didn't really want to tear my reef tank apart.
Sorry for the second posting...couldn't figure out how to edit the original.
As I said it worked really well for a wily high-velocity 5-inch lunare wrasse. To get started I set the trap and placed my fishes’ food in the bottom of the trap for a few days and to let them get used to it. The wrasse got away the first couple of times I sprung the trap---he was fast enough to get out if he was anywhere near an exit. I waited until he was facing inward and downward, away from the lid opening, feeding on the bottom. He’s now been back to the marine aquarium store and into a new home. Good luck---I didn't really want to tear my reef tank apart.
Sorry for the second posting...couldn't figure out how to edit the original.