Tropical Fish Forums

ceci9293 · Benefactors Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Location: Austin, TX

My tetras, Tommy the red-eye and Bob the neon, were finally making the move today from their 5 gallon "rescue" quarters into the 35 gallon to live out their retirement years. Well, Bob was looking good as ever when I took the cover off of the 5gal to get them. But when I put him in the pitcher with Tommy to carry them over, he went right into the dead man's float. I looked him over in a panic and saw that nearly his entire tail was gone! He thrashed a few times, and then it was over.

I ripped. His tail off. Crying or Very sad

It ripped off so brutally he died within seconds.

I have no idea how it happened. When the net dries I'm going to check it for tears that he might have gotten caught in. I guess I don't really have a question. I'm just feeling so bad and wanted to commiserate. Sad

sepgundamrg · Regulars Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Location: Arkansas

wow thats harsh....poor fish and poor cici...... I can't use regular nets for my fish, I either have to get one made of a special material, or I have to use a cup. I prefere the cup because its cheaper and safer for my fish. I am also am a horrible neter/cuper I normaly have to chase my poor guys around for a few minutes... This is normaly bad because that means they are getting put in a bucket for a 7 hour road trip back to school or home.
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My tanks
http://www.aquahobby.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=55885

nightngle · Members Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Location: Central Florida

I'm so sorry - I know how horrible it feels to hurt one of our little fishies. I'm a terrible netter, too. I did find a better solution for me - I found a large bowl soup ladle that is covered in silicone that I use. The handle helps me control where I'm going in the water, and the ladle scoops water with the fishie. Then I cup my other hand over the ladle to transfer.

Your intentions were to help, not hurt, so please don't be too hard on yourself over this.

Cathy G · Advisors Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Wisconsin

ME TOO! Terrible terrible netter - and I breed and sell them!

So, I use a nice net, and do check for tears and loose threads. Then I take the tank top off, roll up my sleeves, wash my hands and get both arms into the tank. One hand kind of corals them to the direction I want, while the other controls the net. I've gotten better at it over the last few months, but it is still not something I look forward to. I was actually thinking about going to a lfs and asking for lessons!

It also helps to remove what ever you can so they can't get behind something.

Sorry about your loss ceci.
Cathy