removing fish without removing all my rock

[bw777]

Hello all. New to the site, great site! I need to remove a few fish from my tank that are overly aggressive towards my clowns. I have a bi-color blenny and a diamond goby in there as well which they don't mess with. I was wondering If anyone knew a way or a "trick" to get them out without dismantling all the live rock. My rock is mainly on the back wall and they just go hide in it. Thanks

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

I just remove the rock coral and water when removing fish. There are some fish traps you can make and buy, a forum search for fish trap would probably yield good results. They work well for some fish, but I've gotten it down to a science: in my 180 reef I can drain all water, remove all coral and rock, and put it all back together in as little as one hour now.

 

[Tyreef2016]

I've had success cutting a 2 liter coke bottle and turning the top around and sliding it back together. cut opening to desired size. caught damsels/tangs with it.

 

[Black Pearl]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

I just remove the rock coral and water when removing fish. There are some fish traps you can make and buy, a forum search for fish trap would probably yield good results. They work well for some fish, but I've gotten it down to a science: in my 180 reef I can drain all water, remove all coral and rock, and put it all back together in as little as one hour now.

I only wish

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Remove all the water. that way you won't need to remove all the rock, you just might need to move some pieces around.

 

[Jimbo662]

I got some 1/2" pvc and 4 elbows and built a frame. used small zip ties and tied the clear mesh from BRS to it. Put it in the tank and when the fish are in an open area slowly slide it to trap them. The size will depend on the open area of the tank and where you will be able to trap them...say like in a corner. Less room for them to swim around and easier to net.

If you try this make sure to open one of the elbows to flood the pipes otherwise it'll try to float.

 

[Bob Escher]

I've had success in removing water and just taking the top part of my rock off works for me

 

[Rjramos]

Go get yourself a pet container like the one pictured. The best bait is live brine shrimp placed in the small container with holes you see inside the trap. They swim out slowly through the holes into the trap. Be patient, it may take anywhere from 2-7 days but you will catch them. Do not remove the trap, just refill the bait container every day and stick around to pull the string. Don't feed the fish by any other means other than the trap. Good luck! Let me know if it works or any problems you may encounter.[emoji106]

 

[bw777]

Thanks for the ideas, very much appreciated. I'll let you know how I fare.

 

[TiffanyDawn]

Go get yourself a pet container like the one pictured. The best bait is live brine shrimp placed in the small container with holes you see inside the trap. They swim out slowly through the holes into the trap. Be patient, it may take anywhere from 2-7 days but you will catch them. Do not remove the trap, just refill the bait container every day and stick around to pull the string. Don't feed the fish by any other means other than the trap. Good luck! Let me know if it works or any problems you may encounter.[emoji106]

This looks like a great idea! I will be putting the trap together when I get home… I’m in need to catch an overly aggressive damsel too. Thanks!