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How to catch fish?

2K views 18 replies 13 participants last post by  pineappleswordies 
#1 ·
I'm going to be transferring fish eventually to my new 55g. My current 29g has a lot of rocks and decor in it and last time I tried to catch my ram it took me 45 min!! It was extremely frustrating! Does anyone have any good tips or tricks I could use? Anything will be appreciated!
 
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#3 ·
For the fast ones, I've found it nearly impossible without removing every single decoration/plant from the tank.
 
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#5 ·
Sometimes two nets will work. One to herd them into the other.

I took two days once to catch a bunch of hasbrosus cories I was bringing to my LFS. The first day I gave up after catching just a dozen. But the 2nd day I persisted and got 24 more! Took a while and this was only in a 5 gallon tank but it was heavily planted.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Too bad I didn't want to catch any fancy tail guppies this morning.

Doing filter cleanup so I dip my half gallon plastic container in the tank to get some tank water.... six of them just swam into the container. Had a hard time NOT catching any.

:)
 
#8 ·
Haha that happens to me all the time CAM. Esp my fry, I put anything into the tank and they swim right in. Tried to do a WC on the bare bottom they were in...had to use the python bc they kept swimming into the jug I was using and wouldn't let me do anything
 
#9 ·
Sure are social little guys! Mine never flinch from human movement. Even brush up against my hands or arms when I'm working in the tank.

My Albino Cories are the same way. Most of my other fish.... I have to move slowly so as not to throw them in a panic.
 
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#10 ·
My fish are the worst for catching. My tank originally had a hood, so there's a black plastic bar on the top, which means that i can only catch fish on one side if the tank at a time. The only one who isn't horrible is my gourami, because he can't swim as fast. I use my little pink net and my All Purpose Aquarium Fidgeter Stick to herd/poke them towards the net. Removing all the decor is good too. Especially things the net could catch on. Fake plants are terrible, because they simultaneously catch the net, and hide the plant.
 
#11 ·
haha CAM, my son loves to stand at our tank and laugh at the little guys, puts his hands up on the tank (trying to teach him to not smack the tank right now lol) but all the baby guppies swim right to where his hands are and just watch him, probably laughing at him as he laughs at them haha
 
#12 ·
Hahaha..... mental image.... cute!!
 
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#13 ·
I'll try removing most of the decor and lower the water. Will most likely go buy to big nets, hopefully it works! Thanks for the tips guys!
 
#14 ·
Another method: large glass jar with a wide opening... like a gallon pickle jar. Lay it on its side in a corner of the tank. Herd the fish toward it. Can't see the glass very well. May swim right in.

You can also place some shrimp pellets at the back of the Jay and wait for it to go eat. Might have to net a few of his tank mates out of there.

Some fish can be caught at night while sleeping. Use a flashlight to find it. If a sound sleeper, you might get him while still groggy.

Some people on another forum I read, actually use a hook and bait. They cut the barb off the hook first. I think that would be my last option. LOL.
 
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#16 ·
I've used one of these with great success and a net...
Specimen Containers | PetSolutions
I just lower the container into the tank with the flat side against the glass and use the net to herd whatever fish I want to catch into it. Catching my danios was a breeze as they swam right in before I even had it half way in the water! Would probably work great catching plecos as their fins tend to get caught in a net.
 
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#17 ·
Netting fish without destroying tank decor has always been tough but as stated above : lower water level to about an inch for small guys, 3" for angels, etc. Use two medium nets instead of one big one but most of all remove as much decor and bling as you can short of uprooting the Amazon swords. And don't be afraid of doing a 75% or more water change. Your discus will love you for it as well as all your other fish. Assuming you have a source of good water.
 
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