I need some advice on the best way to "catch" my 10" Sailfin Pleco and 9" Bala Shark. I need to - with sadness - return them to my LFS. They have outgrown the current 55 gallon tank I have. I did not know that they were going to get that big when I got them 3 years ago. Any advice is appreciated because I want them to have more space and I don't want them to suffer any harm in the process.
Catching fish
- Thread starter suzydiver
- Start date
put them on craigslist, I guarantee you can make some money on a pleco that big. Just tell people they have to catch them themselves and to bring a bucket.
When I moved my 13" midas the other day the best thing I could think of was a plastic bag in his tank but it ended up being a terrible idea, he almost bit me through the bag so I gave up. I then just threw a towel in the tank and let him attack it while I scooped him up with it. I spilled a ton of water on my floor but I know it was probably the best thing I could have used to catch him.
When I moved my 13" midas the other day the best thing I could think of was a plastic bag in his tank but it ended up being a terrible idea, he almost bit me through the bag so I gave up. I then just threw a towel in the tank and let him attack it while I scooped him up with it. I spilled a ton of water on my floor but I know it was probably the best thing I could have used to catch him.
pleco: i use bare hands and grab the head but a rubber fishing net will work, or the t-shirt/wet towel method will work
Bala shark: rubber net.
Lower the water level as much as you can before trying to catch them. if you try to catch them with full tank, you'll stress them b4 catching them
Bala shark: rubber net.
Lower the water level as much as you can before trying to catch them. if you try to catch them with full tank, you'll stress them b4 catching them
Get a piece of egg crate or any other divider material remove any decor you can. Start to lower your water level and place the divider in as soon as possible. Place it at the other end of the tank. Very slowly move it toward the fish. By the time you are half empy, try to have the divider to a point where you have them in 1/4 of the tank. Then scope them up with a big wet net.
Like the guys say, just grap the pleco with your hands. Removing 1/2 the water first will make it easier. Dont try netting a big plec, if you do get it in the net you will spend the next 5 mins trying to free its spikes and spines from the net 
The Bala I would use a large net and a couple of free hands to herd it in, with lower water level it's easier.
Cheers
Ian
The Bala I would use a large net and a couple of free hands to herd it in, with lower water level it's easier.
Cheers
Ian
Thanks for all the great ideas. Next time I do a water change, I will call my LFS and see if they are taking them...and use the towel / t-shirt method. That seems to be the best, least harmful way to get 'em. Thanks again~