HELP!! Best method of trapping fish!?

[1Meshy]

So I'm dealing with a brooklynella outbreak in my tank right now and have to take all my fish to QT quickly before any others die (3 have died already). I've done a post about it if anyone is interested about that.

I've already caught my clowns, but my anthias and YWG are very hard to catch. I've been trying a soda bottle trap for the watchman, but it hasn't worked so far.

I can't tear apart the tank because I have lots of corals and sponges growing on them.

Anybody have any other ideas? I need to start treatment ASAP!

Thanks so much guys

 

[HBtank]

There are various traps you can buy, but some fish will take some time and multiple feedings with it in the tank before entering (if luring with food).

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Drain it as much as you can and then corner the fish. The less water the better.

 

[1Meshy]

There are various traps you can buy, but some fish will take some time and multiple feedings with it in the tank before entering (if luring with food).

Yes this is how I caught the clowns, but the anthias and watchman I guess are too quick for my net. Any traps you recommend?

Edit: Misread your comment. I caught the clowns by luring them into my net with food, not a trap.

 

[1Meshy]

Drain it as much as you can and then corner the fish. The less water the better.

Oh that's a good one. I'm just a bit worried about the corals staying out of the water for a long period of time. How long can a mixed reef be out of water?

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Oh that's a good one. I'm just a bit worried about the corals staying out of the water for a long period of time. How long can a mixed reef be out of water?

Minutes, IMHO. The quicker the better

 

[1Meshy]

Minutes, IMHO. The quicker the better

Eesh.. Okay. I do have to do a WC in the tank anyways. I guess I can drain out 10 gallons and try to catch the anthias that way, but the watchman is going to just stay in its rock unfortunately. Any ideas for him?

 

[i cant think]

Oh that's a good one. I'm just a bit worried about the corals staying out of the water for a long period of time. How long can a mixed reef be out of water?

I’ve found coral can stay out of water for Atleast 30 minutes as long as it’s kept wet. Depending on type will say how long it can stay out. I believe SPS can stay out for the longest time as it’s more natural for SPS to be out in the open during Spring and Neap Tides. I think many people often forget that in the wild many corals we own aren’t always totally submerged and as long as they remain wet, they can be out of water for a while until high tide.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

I used an acrylic box once with a trap door. Put food in it and tie fish line to it so you can be in the back end of the room and around a corner. When they go in the box to eat the food. Pull the line and trap them in the box. All I got.
Good luck
D

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Better hidden you are or only your head peeking around the corner the better.
D

 

[afrokobe]

So I'm dealing with a brooklynella outbreak in my tank right now and have to take all my fish to QT quickly before any others die (3 have died already). I've done a post about it if anyone is interested about that.

I've already caught my clowns, but my anthias and YWG are very hard to catch. I've been trying a soda bottle trap for the watchman, but it hasn't worked so far.

I can't tear apart the tank because I have lots of corals and sponges growing on them.

Anybody have any other ideas? I need to start treatment ASAP!

Thanks so much guys

Soda bottle trap worked really well for me. I caught my sandsifting goby and sixline with it. I know you are trying to catch them fast, so draining the tank is probably the best option.

 

[1Meshy]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to do an update.

Thank you all for your ideas, they were all great! I ended up just taking out most of the water and rocks and put them into a tub while I took the fish out. They're all finally in quarantine and I can finally start the fallow period.

I'll def keep everyone's suggestions if I ever need to take fish out again!