FishProfiles.com Message Forums

i am about to change tanks, so is there a safe way to net cl's and plecs to cause minimum stress?

If you can, get a plastic container or something and try to herd them into that. Just cap it, pick it up out of the water, and transfer. If that doesn't work, try a clear plastic bag.

Use a net only as a last resort with these guys. The loaches will probably be alright, but if they extend their eye spins they can get stuck pretty good. The plecos, especially, have a tendency to get caught in the webbing and are a pain to get out. The only fish I can think of that is worse to net is a raphael cat.

If you want to destress the fish before and after you shift them treat the tanks with Melafix and catch them with the lights off and then place them into the new tank with the light off and leave them off for at least 12 hrs.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

I have been unable to find anything to indicate that melafix has a stress relieving / calmative effect. It is, as stated on the label, an antibacterial product.

Yes, the bottle does state that it may be used when adding new fish to the aquarium or when netting or handling fish, but I assume the use of melafix in this case would be to prevent infection from any minor abrasions suffered during the handling rather than for stress relief (a bit like us using iodine on a grazed knee to prevent it from getting infected).

As to physically moving your fish, try herding them into whatever container / net you choose with your free hand. The bigger the capture container the better (more chance of getting them if you have a bigger target)

Good Luck

G_T

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

thanks very much for your input, the container idea sounds good i will let you know how i get on.

thanks again.

papa s.