sugguestions on moving a 20'' arowana out of a tiny tank

[JESToner]

pretty soon i am going to be saving a 20'' silver arowana out of a 50 gallon tank, i needed help and sugguestions on how to catch the fish, and the best way to transport him for a 1.5 hour drive.

its a very skittish fish and i am worried about it hurting itself when it thrashes,

[rallysman]

Big koi nets work best IME. Use a cooler or big rubbermade tub and secure the lid with either duct tape, zip ties, or bungee cords. You can use an aerator, but I don't think it's a must have for 1.5 hours.

[ewurm]

You have bigger worries. Jumping is a huge issue, as I found out. Use two Koi nets, and trap it. Act swiftly, or it will be on the floor.

[Bderick67]

You have bigger worries. Jumping is a huge issue, as I found out. Use two Koi nets, and trap it. Act swiftly, or it will be on the floor.

Wurms got it. This is how I netted a 22-23" out of a 90 gallon tank. Get the aro between the two nets then grab the nets togehter by the frame to seal the aro in. I used a large coleman cooler, worked real well also had bungie cords to keep lid sealed.

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Last time I moved my aro I drained the tank and let the aro swim into a large pillow case...

[RUNUMHARD]

you dont need any nets IMO. All you need to to is drain out the tank lil more than half way, then get a plastic bag (safeway,Longs,walmart ones.) and use that as your so called "net" trust me it works!!!!!! :naughty: and to make shure he dosent jump out of the bag when you transport him..tie the top of the bag :D

[Mystix212]

Koi socks work a treat. As for aeration, a small battery operated ir stone would work.

[pirarucu319]

you need two net..
consider hurting it self and jumping out...!!:WHOA:
also use two-big plastic bag..
good luck wit ur arowana..
let's see the new arowana home..

ANCIENT MONSTER RULEZ

[flagtail]

you dont need any nets IMO. All you need to to is drain out the tank lil more than half way, then get a plastic bag (safeway,Longs,walmart ones.) and use that as your so called "net" trust me it works!!!!!! :naughty: and to make shure he dosent jump out of the bag when you transport him..tie the top of the bag :D


Ding! Ding! Ding!
We have a winner!

Only way to move an aro is this method....period...

Clear, strong bag, you might want to close the room lights, and have some indirect light in order for you to see what your doing....
Don't rush the aro, he will swim right into the bag.


Coach the aro into the bag, close bag.....job done, not even a splash!

You want a mess on your hands use a net!
Aro jumping around, water everywhere!
Risk dropped scales!
And if it's an Asian, will even drop off his tail!

Good luck

[TheEKey]

Huge plastic bag. Absolutely.

Consider any "net" would seriously injure the aro.

It could risk losing a tail or a fin or a barbel or piles of scales when the aro feels too scared and acts crazy.

[JESToner]

sounds like i will be trying the bag method, how much water should i have in the cooler?

[Wolf3101]

Fill the cooler about half way...thats what we do when transporting fish. We also use a seasoned sponge filter rather than just an air stone with the battery powered air pump. The best coolers to use are those ones with the smaller opening in the top...a beer door..as it were...

[Aquarium_Fish]

Congrats on your new Aro .... Photo's Please!! :popcorn: Video would be better!

SCHOOL ME:
If an Aro did loose a barbel or tail - will it grow back?

[Boydo]

Ding! Ding! Ding!
We have a winner!

Only way to move an aro is this method....period...

Clear, strong bag, you might want to close the room lights, and have some indirect light in order for you to see what your doing....
Don't rush the aro, he will swim right into the bag.


Coach the aro into the bag, close bag.....job done, not even a splash!

You want a mess on your hands use a net!
Aro jumping around, water everywhere!
Risk dropped scales!
And if it's an Asian, will even drop off his tail!

Good luck



I agree, The only way to move an Aro!

[cenecker]

Wow it was in a 55? thats like two lengths of swimming space...can't believe it didn't jump out!

[filiportela]

Huge plastic bag. Absolutely.

Consider any "net" would seriously injure the aro.

It could risk losing a tail or a fin or a barbel or piles of scales when the aro feels too scared and acts crazy.


allways a big tranparent plastic bag ;)

[Aquarium_Fish]

if I remember this correctly - the use of Oil of Clove puts them to sleep to do surgery on fish

that is how you knock out puffers so you can trim their teeth

[aquatic_wonders]

Ding! Ding! Ding!
We have a winner!

Only way to move an aro is this method....period...

Clear, strong bag, you might want to close the room lights, and have some indirect light in order for you to see what your doing....
Don't rush the aro, he will swim right into the bag.


Coach the aro into the bag, close bag.....job done, not even a splash!

You want a mess on your hands use a net!
Aro jumping around, water everywhere!
Risk dropped scales!
And if it's an Asian, will even drop off his tail!

Good luck
I've tried both methods the only thing about the plastic bag is when the fish is big you'll need a biggger plastic and now the hardest thing is getting it out of the tank due to it being heavy because of the water and the fish.

[STONEDFISH]

you dont need any nets IMO. All you need to to is drain out the tank lil more than half way, then get a plastic bag (safeway,Longs,walmart ones.) and use that as your so called "net" trust me it works!!!!!! :naughty: and to make shure he dosent jump out of the bag when you transport him..tie the top of the bag :D

B.S.
Not with that big of an Arowana. I tried this method when moved mine at a similar size to a bigger tank. I doubled up the bags and he blew through it like it wasn't even there. I used three and it caught him, but he blew through them when I tried to lift him out.
I used a pillow case to get him out and he didn't even fight it. I used a T-shirt to catch my 14" Flowerhorn the other day and it worked like a charm.
Nets will usually damage some scales, but cloth doesn't. You can try the bags, but the Arowana will probably end up on the floor.
stndfsh:grinno:

[RUNUMHARD]

B.S.
Not with that big of an Arowana. I tried this method when moved mine at a similar size to a bigger tank. I doubled up the bags and he blew through it like it wasn't even there. I used three and it caught him, but he blew through them when I tried to lift him out.
I used a pillow case to get him out and he didn't even fight it. I used a T-shirt to catch my 14" Flowerhorn the other day and it worked like a charm.
Nets will usually damage some scales, but cloth doesn't. You can try the bags, but the Arowana will probably end up on the floor.
stndfsh:grinno:


Well if other members say it works then it MUST WORK. I just said this becuase it worked for me. Doesnt mean that this works for everyone but its the easiest trick I know of.;)

[bigspizz]

Well if other members say it works then it MUST WORK. I just said this becuase it worked for me. Doesnt mean that this works for everyone but its the easiest trick I know of.;)





I have used this method and it works to a T for quick transfers;) , for longer it will not hold up. (like in the car, lol)

Store bags are not a good idea to put in your tank impo though. Neither is a shirt or pillow case for that matter. I would not risk getting fabric softener, bleach, detergent, or anything else.

Clear poly bag is heavy, but this is not a weak persons hobby (monsters that is) If you can't deal with a fish in 100% of ALL situations, you are in a lil over your head. Take the lids off, get a step ladder and man up chief! lol........

[STONEDFISH]

Well if other members say it works then it MUST WORK. I just said this becuase it worked for me. Doesnt mean that this works for everyone but its the easiest trick I know of.;)

You all aren't moving 20" Arowana.
stndfsh

[jlnguyen74]

B.S.
Not with that big of an Arowana. I tried this method when moved mine at a similar size to a bigger tank. I doubled up the bags and he blew through it like it wasn't even there. I used three and it caught him, but he blew through them when I tried to lift him out.
I used a pillow case to get him out and he didn't even fight it. I used a T-shirt to catch my 14" Flowerhorn the other day and it worked like a charm.
Nets will usually damage some scales, but cloth doesn't. You can try the bags, but the Arowana will probably end up on the floor.
stndfsh:grinno:

Then use more bag. BTW, once the arowana is in the bag, try to get as much water out of the bag as possible. It will be easier for you to lift it out of the tank. Also, less space will prevent the arowana jumps (inside the bag) and pokes through bag. Using pillow case will work, too, but water dripping all over your floor.

[duke33]

How about an onion bag???

[Aquarium_Fish]

I would think an onion bag would damage the fins, tail, and scales - kind of rough!

[ethnics]

i've moved 20" aros, 24" aros, and 29" aros all using a tshirt. its the safest way to move them imo. no damaged fins or scales, no nothing. a perfect pure beautiful aro before and after the move.

[Steve_89]

I've tried both methods the only thing about the plastic bag is when the fish is big you'll need a biggger plastic and now the hardest thing is getting it out of the tank due to it being heavy because of the water and the fish.

Exactly. It also doesn't make it any easier when they are thrashing around threatening to break the bag on the braces of the tank.

B.S.
Not with that big of an Arowana. I tried this method when moved mine at a similar size to a bigger tank. I doubled up the bags and he blew through it like it wasn't even there. I used three and it caught him, but he blew through them when I tried to lift him out.
I used a pillow case to get him out and he didn't even fight it. I used a T-shirt to catch my 14" Flowerhorn the other day and it worked like a charm.
Nets will usually damage some scales, but cloth doesn't. You can try the bags, but the Arowana will probably end up on the floor.
stndfsh:grinno:

Also agree.

This is a big fish...if it loses a couple of scales...its no real big deal. Its not going to die.

Nets would be fine. Just don't rush in. Take it nice and slow. When he is in the net secure it.

It really isn't that hard...considering the size of the tank. Catching them out of big tanks is another story :cry:

[robmcd]

Things gonna jump!! Start at 1 end with a net and have a buddy with another net ready to catch it when it does the aro leap....

[vanimate]

I too have used plastic bags with success. Drain most of the water and take your time coaxing him into the bag. You'd be surprised how high they can jump in so shallow water ;)

[beerbelly68]

This aro has been moved 3 times. Its now over 12in. All the time, we just used plastic bags and just coaxed it in. http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89207

A 1.5 hr drive is quite a long trip IMO. I suggest you make your aro "fast" 3 days before you moved it. This way, it'll not require as much oxygen while it in the bag.

Your aro will be jumpy if it sees light. So after you bag it, cover it with a black garbage bag too. That should calm it down.

As for bag breaking, you must be using too thin a bag. Try to get the bags they use in koi shops for large koi. Those can hold quite a large volume of water.

[DownUnder]

i've did plastic bags and towel... both worked well 4 me... dun stinge on the plastic bags though... LoL...

[PoopSmart]

I thought the tshirt idea was the best way. Thats what I always read about when people moved any aros over like 15 inches. I would think a pillowcase would be the same concept.

[ilubtaimei]

all you need is a pillowcase