How to catch a fish

[philly_rfa]

I am considering moving a fish from my display tank into the refugium, due to behavior issues. However, as soon as I open the canopy and remove the cover, they all dart to their favor hiding spot in the rock work... not sure how i will ever be able to net one, let alone the one i am actually looking to catch (that hides as it is under normal circumstances).

Looking for some feedback on what experience has taught you, on how to accomplish this... seems a bit daunting. I am sure there are some clever ways...

 

[Diana A]

Had the same situation with my daughter's tank recently. The Royal Gamma Basslet would hid in the rock work. The only way to catch it without undoing all the rock work was to do a High and Dry.

Leaving Them High and Dry
This is another method that astounds aquarists, but I assure my fellow aquarists that it is perfectly safe. All that is needed are some large barrels for holding and mixing saltwater; a large, submersible pump and a few lengths of vinyl tubing. Wave all the corals' polyps so they retract; turn off the pumps, heater and lights; and then drain the display's water into the barrel(s), leaving behind only a shallow puddle at the bottom. The fish will all make their way to the deepest section of water. Once there, they are easily removed. All that is needed at this point is to pump the water back into the display. Think of this as nothing more than a short low tide period. This is a good method if the tank's water volume is not too large.

 

[mcgyvr]

High and Dry.. Never heard that process before... Brilliantly funny and probably works just fine..

I've only needed to remove fish once from a tank but its always been in moving from one tank to another and for me the fish were just the last thing to go.. All corals/rock,etc.. was pulled leaving nowhere for the fish to hide.. Fish stress levels probably through the roof though..