Need Help Immediatly

[BettaBettas]

SO my Chinese algae eater is finally getting to that point where hes going to be a butt, (aggressive) so im looking to get rid of him, how do I do that? and how do I kill him if that's what it comes to! <--- (hopefully not)

 

[Ch4rlie]

Personally I would not kill a perfectly healthy fish, even if its a total bully.
 
Have you another tank you can set up quickly?
 
Then that would solve your problem for the short term until you can rehome this CAE or take to your LFS.

 

[Byron]

While I understand Ch4rlie's position, there are times when one must euthanize a fish for reasons of aggression if all other possible avenues are exhausted.  Try the local fish stores, hobbyists in the area (may have a local fish club?).  But if those fail and you have no other tanks, temp or whatever, the fish must be destroyed.
 
An aggressive fish like the CAE can literally weaken and kill every other fish in the tank, so it usually comes down to either the CAE or other fish.  Stress from a bully is severe on fish, and weakens their immune systems, and if prolonged, does permanent damage to their physiology.
 
Not intending blame here, but for the benefit of other readers who may not realize it, this is why some of us caution against this or that species...initially the fish may seem "OK" but this rarely lasts if it is in the fish's nature to be a bully, as it certainly is with the CAE.  This is the second thread started today about problem fish, which only shows how real of a problem this can be.
 
Byron.

 

[NickAu]

 
While I understand Ch4rlie's position, there are times when one must euthanize a fish

I agree with Byron and Charlie

 

Around 400 mg of clove oil per litre of aquarium water is sufficient to cause death in exposed fish. The clove oil should be mixed with a little warm water first before adding it to the water and fish slowly. Do not add all at once as fish get excited - add the clove oil mix over a 5 minute period

What is the most humane way to euthanase aquarium fish?

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hmm, an interesting point of view, not one I had actually fully considered to be fair.
 
If ALL other avenues were tried and failed then euthanising could be a consideration but then then I would find it hard to do this to a healthy fish through no fault of its own, this is the nature of CAE's to be aggressive.
 
They are fairly known to be aggressive and pick on weaker fish as well as clinging on the side of full bodied or flat sided fish to suck at their slime coat which will inevitably lead to a painful death for the poor fish that has its slime coat destroyed.
 
I suppose one COULD try a CAE only specie tank but I think a pretty large tank would be best to keep a group of these to lessen the agression and to form a kind of heirarchy amongst them.
 
Not easy imho but a fairly interesting project should one feel inclined to do so with CAE's.

 

[cooledwhip]

Why did you even purchase a CAE while not doing research to see how aggressive they are?
 
There is no humane way to euthanize unless a fish is sick, and that's only to put it out of it's misery. 

 

[BettaBettas]

Cooled whip, I did do research. much actualy, growth rate etc. but my caculations were unfortunately incorrect about how much time it would take me to set up my 75 gallon, I wa originally going to add him in there but seeing as school has come in the way of this, I was unable to proceed with doing so... so now im looking to get rid of him in a hopefully productive way, I live in the country way out there so if it is necessary I will kill him, in a humane way. As Byron said. also cha4lie its unfortunate but the 2 5 gallons are all I currently have, I tried putting him in the other 1 but he injured my fish. not horribly though and he was treated, so now Im looking for an option. I checked btw and no, no fish clubs nearby, closest is 2 hours away into the city. which I obviously am not going to complete or do, as I don't have the spare time. Still looking for options btw

 

[BettaBettas]

k so for temporary housing for the CAE until someone or I come up with an idea of what to do with him, I got my little fish baby keeper (idk the name rn lol) box thingy majiger, and put that in the tank so hes in there rn not disturbing anyone

 

[Byron]

As the method to euthanize has been raised, I use the simplest and (in my view) most humane.  An article in PFK a year or so included this method as one of the best.  Any clove oil or similar means the fish is still conscious for some or all of it.
 
Fold a couple pieces of paper towelling in preparation.  Net out the fish and place it in the towelling; fold it over and give it a few solid smacks.  This stuns and kills the fish immediately, and is no more stress than any netting out of water.  The folded paper towel ensures the fish's remains are in one spot, whatever the outcome, and is easy to then dispose of in the garbage or bury in the garden.
 
Byron.

 

[BettaBettas]

id burry em in the garden with a sign thanks again Byron savin the day lol and thanks everyone else

 

bury in the garden

 

[squidneh]

While I understand your predicament I do think that it was irresponsible of you to purchase this fish in the first place. I know you had plans, but there's a reason we often advise not to purchase fish with intentions to upgrade, because the reality is life happens. Now this fish might die because you couldn't wait to purchase one until your had your proper sized tank set up. 
 
If a particular fish turns aggressive then I agree there are times it is best to euthanize said fish. But if you knowingly bought a species known to be aggressive and unsuitable for your current set up I'm not going to encourage you to euthanize before exhausting every other possible option. That is just poor fish keeping. 
 
I hope you learn from this situation and I even more so hope you can find a new home rather than killing the fish. I personally would use Byron's method of killing/disposing of the fish. It seems to be the best and quickest way.  

 

[Akasha72]

having used the clove oil method several times now I can say it is a far kinder method than bludgeoning a fish to death. There is a product though now on the market that is specifically designed for putting fish to sleep the humane way. I forget it's name but a quick google search is all that's needed.
 
I have to say though ... go round all the local fish stores that you are aware of first. Bite the bullet, explain the problem and ask them if they can help you re-home the fish - even if that means you have to say "if you can't help me I'm gonna have to kill a healthy fish". Faced with that stark option there will be some kind hearted fish store owner that will help you
 
Best of luck 

 

[cooledwhip]

It is kinder, but can I ask you this question:
 
1. Is a fish's life not worth a 2 hour drive? Not even to drop him off at a petsmart even.
 
2. Would you rather die surrounded in poisoning, like bleach, or by an instantaneous gunshot wound to the head? No pain, nothing, just click, and you are gone.
 
Think about the answer to number 2 when you are considering killing your fish.

 

[BettaBettas]

squid: he used to be in that said 75 gallon tank, but we moved so sos
ALSO people don't get carried away plz don't over react not saying any1 has, tomorrow im trying to see if Petco will take him in chill

 
cooled whip: im glad you care, ive had him for a while so I care to. unfortunately if I cant make that drive for 2 hours to a local fish club I will have to euthanize him (if Petco doesn't except) ive had some people comment (thanks btw) how to calmly do this so im sure that its not painful, im not gonna smash him with a rock! that's obviously unnecessary and very abusive I would say but if you have  I guess... also if I don't get rid of him he'll kill 5 other fish, so hes taking one for the team if he takes one at all
also im not going to shoot my fish

 
 
akasha thanks for the comment very well appreciated and ill look into this

 

[cooledwhip]

I have taken a push pin and just poked his brain. They immediatley just stop breathing and stop everything. Painless, and much more humane than letting him swim and choke in poison.