How do you move a sucker fish from tank to tank?

Answer 1

To move a sucker fish from one tank to another, you should first prepare the destination tank with appropriate water parameters matching the original tank. Next, catch the sucker fish using a soft mesh net to avoid injuring its delicate skin and fins. Transfer the fish gently into a clean container filled with water from the original tank, then carefully acclimate it to the new tank's water by slowly adding small amounts of the new water over a period of time to prevent shock. Finally, release the fish into the new tank once acclimated.

Answer 2

If you're talking about, say, a small pleco, you can partially fill a gallon ziplock-type bag with water, net your fish, and transfer it using the same technique as you would when bringing home a new fish. Clip the bag to the side of the tank, allow it to equalize in temperature, and (if you're certain that both tanks are free of pests and illnesses) add a cup of the new tank's water to the bag. Add a bit more, every 8-10 minutes, and then release the fish, at about half an hour. However, if you're dealing with a more sizable pleco (8" or more), we've found that the safest and FASTEST way to do this is to fill a clean bucket with tank water, half with water from the tank that the fish is leaving, and half with water from the tank it's being moved to. Catch your fish by hand (since the big ones won't fit in most nets), or trap it in a large jar or container. Transfer your fish to the bucket, and move it to the new tank. Yes, you do run the risk of shocking the fish, but if you don't move quickly, it will rapidly deplete the bucket water of oxygen, and die. Try to make sure that there is little to no temperature difference between the two tanks, prior to attempting the move, too- this lessens your chances of doing harm to your fish. We've used this technique several times, at our house, and haven't lost a pleco yet. We did, however, almost lose one, the very first time we attempted it- because we tried the slower introduction of the new tank's water, into the bucket. The fish almost died from lack of oxygen- and this is why I recommend moving quickly! Your best rule of thumb, with the big guys: the bigger the fish, the more oxygen they're going to need- and the less time you have to get them from Point A to Point B. Good luck!