Catching Pleco

[m00ms]

hi all
 
i might be up grading to a larger tank soon and just wondering best way to catch plecos to move them to there new home?
 
i have 2 bristlenoses and a L141 pleco which is about 6" and cant think less stressful way to catch them.
 
one of the two bristlenoses i moved from my first tank and i remember the fun i had catching her!! 

 

[Joshwainwright]

I guess the easiest thing would be to carefully remove your plants and ornaments and catch the plecos last. As long as your tank isn't filthy, that's the least disruptive way I can think of.
 
Otherwise you're going to be chasing them round all over and stressing them out

 

[Daveo026]

Use 2 nets one large one small most fish become alot easier and lowering water helps

 

[scotty]

algae wafer on a hook always got them for me

 

[RCA]

I usually find something large enough to hold them in, you will need something fairly large, then put this in the corner of the aquarium.  Having lowered the water and removed all of the main obstacles, I gently encourage them in this direction and when they swim in the net closes the opening behind them. Then I am able to pick them up and move them within some water to prevent further stress.  Kuhlis/Javas are the worst for me!  Good luck.

 

[m00ms]

i am aware of using 2 nets to catch normal fish but you can not use nets with plecos as dorsal fin gets tangled in net and then causes damage when fish struggles.

 

[fluttermoth]

Large ice cream or margarine tubs are good, or a Tupperware box (rectangular is better than round, obviously!).
 
Definitely strip the tank down; put your container in at the beginning and they might go in on their own!

 

[Daveo026]

Hmm i moved mine yesterday to my 330l no damage at all on my bns:s