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

[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

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

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

 

[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.