Netting Fish in 5G Hex

[CACAdmin]

I have a 5G Hex tank I use for snails and I often use it as a Q-tank. However, every time I do that, I kick myself. It's easy to get the fish in but I have one heck of a time getting them out & into their new home when the time comes.

It's the shape of the tank and the fact that it's so small that makes netting the fish so difficult. (too many sides, too many corners... and I can only get a small net in there:( ).

This last time rather than put the fish (& me) under so much stress trying to net them, I simply gave up, reduced the water level to 1/4, removed the rock and plants, picked up the tank (it's bare bottom & acrylic) & poured the fishies into the other tank.:err: This is not the best solution and of course, this only works if you want to transfer all the fish.

Any ideas or suggestions, or should I just ditch the small Hex tank?

[thegrandpoohbah]

Can you fit two small nets in there? Use one net to chase them into the other net. That's what I do with mine.

[CACAdmin]

Hmmm! I've used that technique in my 20G. I suppose I could give it a try in the 5G Hex... could get 2 tiny nets in there... only have one that small so will pick up another. Regardless, just gaining access, usually means taking the hood off, filter out, etc. It's rather a pain...it's a weird setup. I got the tank because it looks nice and for a 5G has a small footprint (live & learn, I guess:rolleyes: )

[Melody]

Get fishy against glass, hold net in front of fishy, sneak hand behind fishy and slap glass. ZOOM! Right into net. All done. :)

[CACAdmin]

Get fishy against glass, hold net in front of fishy, sneak hand behind fishy and slap glass. ZOOM! Right into net. All done. :)

:rofl: Love it! Only you would think of that Melody! I'll give it a try... and let you know the results. (Just so you know, if the startled fishy that requires CPR, you're gonna get a phone call.:laugh: )

[Melody]

I started doing it with fry - I was always worried about smooshing them if I cornered them against the glass and tried to scoop them.

Call all you want - I never answer my phone so I don't mind...lol. Its actually far more quick and less stressful than chasing them around the tank.

[CACAdmin]

Hey, thanks Melody. I tried it this morning (not in the 5G Hex as the only inhabitants in there now are the snails). It works like a charm:thumbup: and definitely much less stressful on the fish (they're in the net before than can figure out what happened...lol.

[hp10BII]

Glad it worked out for you.

My method is similar to Melody's. I kid tested on my children first (no I don't net them). ;) You approach them with your fingers as you are about to tickle them and that usually sends them running, so I do the same with my fish, with a net placed behind them, they usually zoom into the net.

[Melody]

ROFL My Son reacts strongly to tickle fingers too - go figure. He's getting older and asked me recently where the '6 packs' are in the abdomen. I got to show him one before he took off in a fit of laughter. I also told him that men with '6 packs' look deformed to me and his body is just fine. :yes:

[hp10BII]

ROFL My Son reacts strongly to tickle fingers too - go figure. He's getting older and asked me recently where the '6 packs' are in the abdomen. I got to show him one before he took off in a fit of laughter. I also told him that men with '6 packs' look deformed to me and his body is just fine. :yes:

Your son still have his growing teenage years ahead of him...there may be budding 6 packs waiting to bust out and a little 'xplaining to do about his "deformity"! ;)

[Melody]

Hmmm.... well I'll just tickle them and say I love him no matter what he looks like. I'll do that to any future husband too, if I ever get around to getting one.

On second thought, :nah: I think I'll get a puppy instead.