21 replies to this topic

[Midnite76]

Hi All

I am finally making the move to Perth at the end of the year and need to start organising my fish move.
My RTC and others have grown considerably and I need a suitably large net in which to 'fish' them out for transport.

Can anyone suggets a good, large net they have used or seen?
The coarse nets are not suitable as they cause the obvious tangles and I have not been able to find a large, fine net anywhere.

Any suggestions?

Dion

[SamJohns]

How big are the openings at the top of the tank compared to fish? You could make some sort of cradle to lift them out. I'd come give you a hand, but I'm not really close to Kal...

[Midnite76]

The main one will be the 8x3, which has 2 RTC and other large fish.
The openings are quite large, just less than a foot each andt here are beams above the tank that the cradle idea could be strung from but I don't know how I would coax them in.

Moving the RTC before has just been a net over the head and a good grip on the tail but one of the two is pushing 65cm.
A large, fine net would achieve this but I would just have to hang on pretty hard......

[SamJohns]

Yeah I'd definately be getting a mate to help you. Even if you just setup some sort of large cradle beside the tank to put it straight onto. Lessen the chance of it ending up on the floor.

[Midnite76]

I think that's a good idea.
Will def have someone to help.

Next step is to find something large enough to transport them in.
Thinkin about building one off large wooden boxes as can't find anything large enough here in Kal (can't wait til I get back to civilisation...)

[Peckoltia]

Enviro-net from a tackle shop or a big pillow case.

[Midnite76]

Thanks Alex, I will check out the Enviro-net
The pillow case might be a good idea.
The nets I have looked at weren't really deep enough to be useful.

[Peckoltia]

Enviro-nets come in a number of different sizes. I have one that I have used on large fish/sharks (1m + ) with no issues, they are built pretty sturdy. They are also designed and built to reduce damage to fish. Perfect for your application. Once caught just whack a wet towel over the net/fish to avoid them ending up on the floor. Moving large fish is pretty easy if you prepare properly.

[Midnite76]

Preparation is the key, isn't it?
I have already been planning this move for some time and now getting into the nitty gritty of it all.

I don't think the move will be too hard, other than the damn tanks, it is just catching and transporting some of the larger fish.

I will put a journal together when the time comes

[bigjohnnofish]

get yourself a big esky for rtc.... and if you have been watching Amazon expedition get yourself a set of them grippers - the ones they use when they catch and release the fish on the show!

grab cattie by the mouth and hoist him to the top of the water and grab him by the tail and support his belly - no problem....

or i like the net over the head and grab him by the tail with a firm grip!!! if you werent so dam far away i'd come do it for you!!! weight wise they would be between 5-8 kg i reckon... 10kg would be max...

play tug o war with them first to tire them out

[Jules]

this sounds like its gonna be tricky.
dont RTCs have large spines /barbs that could get tangled amongst the net?

As SJ said, id be thinking a cradle where once the fish swims over a base sheet (with holes to allow for water to drain which has 'walls' on the face and sides you pull it up with a rope.
ive never moved big things like this so wouldnt be best to suggest.

[Midnite76]

Yeah, barbs are an issue and I have had that problem a couple of times when transferring them to new tanks.
Now that they ar emuch large I can only imagine the problem would get worse.

I might try the Enviro-net (@ $100.00 !!) with wet towel and a good grip on the tail.
I don't think I'm gonna be able to catch them in a cradle, they're a bit too clever for that (and I'm not that patient).

[Jules]

and id imagine to be struck by the barb will induce pain.
if you drain the water superlow, so dorsal part of the fish is just sticking out and a barrier on the front & edges of the craddle, there aint much option to get away.
how does one prevent the barbs being tangled in the net also?

[ice]

The environets have a very small weave that doesnt tangle with the barbs, its a good design and as alex said before does minimal damage to the fish.

[spilo]

if ya can get ya hands on a Koi Watertight Sock Net.....there worth it.
This net is designed especially to hold water while handling your precious large koi without injury. Easily close one end with your hand and use net to scoop koi and move to new tank. Now release the end and slowly let the koi pass through the sock net. Using this net will prevent damage to your koi such as fins damage, scales lost, and protect slime coat. A must have for all stress free koi handling!

[sandgroper]

A large bird net and you could put the pillow case on the inside.

[bigjohnnofish]

just get the turtle man!!! - he'll dive in and grab it with his bare hands!!! for $20 , an apple pie and a six pack!!!

[Jules]

YE YE YE YE YE....

[ice]

He's xena warrior princess reincarnated into a crazy redneck.

[garlic shrimp]

how about shadecloth??