What have I gotten myself into??

mayreee

mayreee

AC Members
Oct 2, 2004
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I am scared to be in my own apartment....
My mom’s friend said she has a 30 gallon tank she didn't want but there is one fish in there. I thought cool I will take it. So I go there and she didn't know what she was talking about. It was a 15 gallon but I still wanted it.
That’s all beside the point.
There is some kind of pleco in there that is huge... too big to be in there. It is mean and ugly looking. It is about 5-6" long. I am scared to stick my hand in there and need to get this thing out to get it to the LFS. Every time I stick anything in there he freaks out and flaps his fin. What shall I do? What can I even put him in to take him to the LFS? A bucket? I think I need a brave man to help me with this :D
 
You could drain some of the water to limit where he can run to. That might make him a little easier to catch. I'd worry about stressing him that way, but I'm not sure there's any realistic way to move him without stressing him. Just do it quickly and try not to physically harm him. As far as taking him to the LFS, a clean bucket (never held unknown chemicals) should work. The LFS might also have a bag large enough. Another idea would be one of those gladware disposable containers; I'm not sure how big they make those.
 
If its a pleco you have reason to be careful. They have sharp spines in their dorsal fins that they use to defend themselves. Ouch.

I would try removing decorations from the tank to limit his hiding spots. Then syphon off some of the tank water into you transport vessel. A cooler works well for longer drives but a bucket or tupperware container will work well too. A nice advantage to the cooler is that you can shut it and keep it dark in there which should help keep him from stressing out.

Use a good size net to get him but be patient in catching him you'll win in the end so there's no sense in attacking and freaking him out. Those spines can get tangled in the netting too so be aware of that.

Good luck!

Tom
 
Don't bother with a net. Get a large enough tupperware, bowl, or jar for it to fit in comfortably. Slowly corner the fish, and let it swim into the container, and then remove. Nets are bad for spiny/plated fish, and cause you and the fish un-needed stress.
 
Thanks guys... I paid the guy from the LFS to come get him. We did use a plastic bowl and a bucket. Phewww that fish was scary looking. I didn't know they have spines either so I am glad I didn't try it. :D
 
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