advise on how to move a few fish?

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M

mad ness

Candiru
MFK Member
Feb 26, 2009
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Hong Kong
Hello, haven't been to MFK in a while. Hope everyone's been well. Work's been keeping me busy, so busy it's delayed the completion of my monster characin tank project. If all goes well, it should be ready for fish transplant in a few months.

In the meantime, I'm hoping to get some ideas on how move these fish from the old tank to the new. For reference tank pictured below is 9ft long. They've obviously outgrown the tank.

The new tank is not far away, the opening is less than 10ft away. the tank is around 7ft deep, 9ftx8ft opening...

Just not quite sure how to catch, then transport these guys from tank A to B with out harm. I've got some ideas but would like to brainstorm before taking action.

old tank with fish:
P1010617.JPGView attachment 747612
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They will go into this tank:
P1010535 (640x480).jpgP1010537.JPG

P1010617.JPG

P1010535 (640x480).jpg

P1010537.JPG

P1010618.JPG
 
Sweet set up use a trout net with a towel in it

Sent from my LGL55C using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
aquaman95 said:
Sweet set up use a trout net with a towel in it

Sent from my LGL55C using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Click to expand...

Thanks LGL55C

but how to catch one fish with out spooking the others into kamakazie heaven?

I've toyed with idea of using chemicals used to put arowanas to sleep for surgery. But even assuming the correct dosage and compatibility with fish, how does one revive multiple charicans of this size in 7 ft of water?

I have to open the lid to put in a net. Likely the fish will jump straight out of the tank if I try to net it. The armatus are near 3ft long.

The only thing i can think of is using non-transparent sheets of plexi to section of one fish at a time, then rigging up some kind of "box" lined with padding with holes to allow water to escape. Get the fish to swim into this, then slowly lift the box and move it this way.

*Will acclimate fish to the new water in the old tank first.
 
sashimimaster said:
Add the water from the new tank to the old tank first. Check temps so that they're pretty close. Drain tank to half full and net away. I don't think you would spook them too much if you don't chase too much.
Click to expand...

yes the simple approach may work but they spook easily. Usually when one darts, it sets of a series of 3-4 to do the same. With the water level lower than usual, I'm pretty sure they'll be darting around even before the net goes in. Just not that confident and don't want to risk loosing any fish. They are really powerful at this size.

open to any other ideas. thanks!
 
Hi and good to see you back here.

I know what you mean particularly with the ATF species. I have on occasion had to remove items and fish from mine and it makes me cringe when I hear the ATF hit the sides and top and braces. Has hit the floor a couple of times aswell. At that size they have a lot of power.

I wouldn't drop the water level myself. I would have someone with you to gently incourage the choosen fish towards the net. It will be very difficult to do it yourself. You want as big a net as possible but also needs to be manoeuvrable. Also plan the order with the percieved easier fish first. Also get yourself a swear box :)

If you don't think there will be terratorial issues I would take your time over a few days to allow them to calm down. I don't envy your task at all. Best of luck to you.

Fish look Awesume by the way.
 
they have big bags for catching asian arowanas not sure its available in your area , but thats the safest and less damage way to transfer then nets
 
tape bubble wrap to the walls & top of the tank. voila! haha seriously though, this could be used as a precaution along with the transparent box you planned to rig. other than that, because of the nature of the payara and ATF, i'd go with sedation with LOTS of research before I do it to ensure I don't run into any problems during the move. And I'm sure you can find people to help you out during the move.
 
ive moved atf around 10''. I moved them while they were in "sleep mode". Complete darkness in the room for hours prior to move. My buddy was using a flashlight to assist me. They are more calm and tranquil in darkness, hard for them to see, easy for u to catch. as far as your netting/ bagging strategy cant help much with that issue lol. looks like your boys are around 2 ft. good luck and i hope this helps. btw I would drop water level too.
 
that's exactly what was crossing my mind as I was doing a WC today. If only I was active at night, it'd be less stressful for the fish. underboss got a good point imo. drop water level at night and do it in dim lighting
 
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