Moving large angelfish

[SDguy]

So I'm getting ready to move the meredithi angel pair and moorish idol over to the 240g. I've learned in the past that large angels and nets don't mix. How would you suggest I proceed? I was thinking a large clear plastic bag in the water, and just try to corral him into it?

 

[humaguy]

yes...or a 5 gallon bucket...done at night so they dont freak...
if a bag...gonna need to triple or quadruple it up pronto so their gill spikes dont rupture the bag...not the case with the idol, though I would still double or triple it up...

 

[fishfreak2009]

When I used to keep freshwater stingrays, I always moved them with a submerged shoebox and a large net. Chase them into the box with the net, then block the box opening with the net (mind you you need a big net; I used on for removing leaves from the bottom of swimming pools). Then you just lift the box up and out of the tank, and move it over to the other tank. It is simpler than it sounds.

 

[auem]

So I'm getting ready to move the meredithi angel pair and moorish idol over to the 240g. I've learned in the past that large angels and nets don't mix. How would you suggest I proceed? I was thinking a large clear plastic bag in the water, and just try to corral him into it?

why?....if you are transferring a big fish from one tank to another one in your house,how much time it will take?...you can keep parameter similar and hence acclimatization won't be needed....

 

[SDguy]

Gill spines can get caught in the net... badly. Ever tried freeing a large, PO'd angel from a net? I have.... never again

 

[anbosu]

With fish like that I chase them into a clear plastic pitcher or bucket with the net. Works pretty easily and doesn't hurt the fish.

 

[auem]

Gill spines can get caught in the net... badly. Ever tried freeing a large, PO'd angel from a net? I have.... never again

well,biggest angel i netted was a 6" majestic...it was ok...
but i do experienced fish getting caught in the net from big maroon clown and tangs...but no severe problem...once i put the whole(fish and net) in the water and shake a bit they got free....:lol2:

but i guess you must have had sad experience(to the point of losing the fish perhaps)...:headwalls:

 

[Allmost]

I use an acrylic box. like the aquamedic fish trap.

 

[Sonicblast12]

Gill spines can get caught in the net... badly. Ever tried freeing a large, PO'd angel from a net? I have.... never again

Killed my 8 inch Red Sea regal that way. Got entangled and just fought harder and harder. Submerged the net and cut it free but it had torn a few scales loose and had a large cut behind the gill on one side that never healed and killed the fish.

Yeah, never again.

 

[Allmost]

cut the net in that case fast ...

 

[Sonicblast12]

I get a large "critter keeper" and just trap the angels against the wall of the tank and scoop them out, they can't really see it coming and if it's large enough they can't really get around it. I use that method to catch all fish now.

 

[alton]

Wife doesn't like it but I have used her Tupperware in the past.

 

[SDguy]

but i guess you must have had sad experience(to the point of losing the fish perhaps)...:headwalls:

No, nothing like that. But cutting a 1' queen angel out of a net was no walk in the park :lol:

 

[humaguy]

angels should never see a net...their trashing and those gill spines and their scales, they wrap themselves up real fast...recommend the 5 gallon bucket lying flat on one of the tank and use your hand to nudge them in...for the pair your are talking about and the delicate idol...safety and slow are going to be huge in keeping their anxiety down...

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

Just pick it up in your hands. I have found that fish don't struggle when you gently cup them in your hands.

For a 1" angel, you might need the help of a local basketball player.

 

[geaux xman]

With fish like that I chase them into a clear plastic pitcher or bucket with the net. Works pretty easily and doesn't hurt the fish.

This is what I do. I also use an eggcrate to help section off the tank.

I had used nets a few times in the past on angels, and they get all mangled up in the net bad. Even the small lemonpeel angels, their scales stick to the net.

BTW, how big are your meredithi pair and how long have you had them?

 

[SDguy]

The male is 8 or 9", female not much smaller... maybe 7".

Almost 3 years now, from the looks of it.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1732583&highlight=meredithi

 

[michael_cb_125]

Most of my fish are trained to swim into an acrylic box to feed, so catching them is not typically an issue. But when it is, I always catch them with my hands and transport them the same way. I have never lost a fish either way. I HATE nets.

~Michael

 

[orangegoby]

I use the eggcrate to make a box to catch them.

 

[Kahuna Tuna]

I too have had a bad experience with angels and a net. I use an acrylic box and herd them into it, preferrably in a corner.