Easier way to net my bettas?

[OrkyBetta]

My bettas dread that time of week when they get their tanks cleaned. Netting them is always a struggle, and sometimes i end up kinda hitting them with the side of the net, and I can feel them wiggle, its horrible. I hate doing that to them EVERY week. Is there an easier way to get them from one place to another without nets, and less stress?

 

[wuvmybetta]

Your hand. That's what I do anyway,just scoop them up from underneath. You'll have to be extra careful in the beginning but they'll soon get used to it.

 

[OrkyBetta]

Like with some water? Or just the fish?

 

[wuvmybetta]

Well you'll get water when you get the fish,it just works that way. I'm sure others will have alternative suggestions I'm just a grab and go kinda girl

 

[newfishies]

i use the teeny petsmart cups that some of my guys came in to scoop them out. the best time to catch them is when they come up for a breath. mine don't get too stressed by that!

 

[Synirr]

I've got betta netting mastered. Changing 14 bowls a week will do that to you

I have one of those teeny tiny super soft nets (I think they're made for netting BBS,) and I just try to get that under the fish before they even know it's in the bowl, then just scoop them up really fast. Usually they're in the waiting cup before they even know what hit them, but sometimes I have a little trouble if they notice they're being chased before I've caught them.

 

[Kiarra]

I just grab mine with my hand. Scoop them up and plop them elsewhere. They freaked out at first, but now, they're pretty calm about the whole affair. I only reluctantly use the net...would rather use my hand. Seems less stressful that way...on me and them.

 

[OrkyBetta]

Ok thanks! I'll try just grabbing them, and I'll try the cups. Glad I kept those.

 

[RandomWiktor]

I don't reccomend netting at all; its a good way to scrape them, rip their fins, and rub off the slime coat.

Do your bettas come to the surface for food readily? I would toss one pellet in, and as they focus on getting it, put a cup behind them and quickly plunge it into the water. It will suck water - and probably the betta - back into it.
I do scoop with my hand sometimes, but try to avoid it; I hurt one with a fingernail once when he wriggled out, and I'm worried about anything toxic on my hands.

 

[Kiarra]

Yeah, when grabbing Bettas with your hand, keep your nails trimmed or well away from the Betta, and make sure you haven't had your hands on anything lately that might hurt the fish. Other than that, they do fine. Little wiggly, though.

 

[Chrissy]

When I had to take Sushi out I would use the net to guide him into his Petsmart cup (or any sanitary cup w/ a top.) And he just learned that when I put the cup in his water and took him out he'd come back to a nice, clean tank!