Handling fish

[barron]

What is the best way to move Discus from one tank to another? ???

[Fisheyes]

If possable use the palm of your hand

Use a clear bowl

Lastly I would use a white net but only as a last resort.(fear of damage to fish

Fisheyes

[barron]

I fear, if I try to get close to anyone the rest will spoke, they all pack together, do they settle down, they are new. If I make any noise or let the lid tap they dart fast. I heard of Discus darting into tank walls and killing themself. I want to avoid this I was thinking maybe a drug would be needed.

[ronrca]

I use nets actually. Big nets! So far I have had no troubles. I dont really know how you guys can catch them with your hands. I come close to touching them but actually grabbing them? :P

Also, being calm and relaxed helps. Moving the net slowly, not quick movements especially when the discus are moving around or spooked. It takes practise and patience.

[FrankLuvsDiscus]

;D I didn't think you could catch a discus with your bare hands and palm it without it flipping around to much. Plus i think palming it could cause more damage to its scales or fins, gills.... The only cichlid i've been able to slowly grasp and actually transfer without any trouble is an Oscar, there so mellow when they know you and trust you.


:P I've also read that the best way to grab a "large fish" without stressing it is this:

Lower the water level slowly by the use of a siphon or pump and hose..... once the level of water is just above the height of the top of the discus or fish,...... take a wet towel and lay it underneath the discus or on the bottom of the tank and wait ti'l the discus swims over it.... once this happens you can slowly grab each corner of the towel and pull up. Water will slowly drain through the towel without the discus really noticing soon he'll be on his side then you can fold the towel over him or her..... and this will make it so they don't stress or flip around plus once covered the darkness naturally makes them feel like sleeping so they don't squirm...then you just transfer them -towel and all- into the new tank unfold the towel and your good to go.


;D Something I read ,,, never tried it though but sounds good to me.


Other than that lengthy explanation .......... I just use a net and slowly catch them.

Franko

[ronrca]

The towel method! LOL! Sounds like it could take a long time.

I would what breeders do! They need to catch hundreds of discus a day sometimes!

Cary? Mike? Jeff? Chad? and many others that breed?

[brewmaster15]

big net

[Carol_Roberts]

Big net.

[Luca]

So it is not necessary to accustom the discus to the new tank's water first??? I guess you keep it so clean it doesn't make much difference, long as it's aged/heated/dechlorinated??

[Carol_Roberts]

Hi LUca:
Does the pH and temperature vary much from tank to tank at your house?

If it is a new tank set it up and run it for at least 8 hours to make sure no leaks and water is same pH and temp.

[barron]

Thanks all, net it is. However what is a white net?

[Carol_Roberts]

Finer mesh,softer, better quality, more expensive than the green ones

[barron]

Thank you net added to list.

[April]

big net and move it slowly and just carefully select the fish and i get the fish against the front wall then wait till it backs into the net a bit then lift up. not a problem.
its almost as if they know which one of them is the one.

[iceskater]

Wish me luck I am going to net 2 of them tonight. White net. Kind of scared do not want to spook them all. First time...

Karen