Every time I try to catch my betta in the net so that I can clean his tank he gets really stressed?

Question

It takes me forever to catch him does anyone have any suggestions to make this a less stressful situation for him?

Answer 1

It is extremely stressful for a fish to constantly be moved around all the time. The easiest way to never have to move your fish again - is by getting a larger tank. Five gallons and up, you only have to take out percentages of the water, instead of dumping out and replacing ALL the water. You take out about 2 gallons -from the bottom- every week. You can do this by buying a small gravel vacuum (around 5.00 dollars) at a pet store, and using it to both clean the crud from your gravel while performing a water change. You will also need a bucket that is never used with any kind of chemicals to dump the old water and add the new, fresh, dechlorinated water.

Another reason why this is a great idea, is that your tank will be able to grow it's own beneficial bacteria by only taking out percentages and having a larger tank. The beneficial bacteria is like a biological filter, and will grow naturally (you won't be able to see it) but it will eat the ammonia and turn it into less toxic nitrites and nitrates, so your fish will actually be much healthier, and will be able to go longer without water changes - though I never do less than one every 7 days.

Hope this helped you out, and definitely do some comparison shopping for the right 5 gallon (or larger tank). I use an eclipse 5 gallon tank - it comes with a biowheel filter, which aerates the water and the beneficial bacteria (which needs oxygen to survive) and is a really great little tank. It's by Marineland, which is on of the most recommended fish brands out there.

Answer 2

I have a crowntail betta that FREAKS! And being a crowntail his fins are long and kind of stringy, he looses their length when he stresses.

I've found that using the Top Fin brand of nets makes him less stressed. I don't know if that's because they are softer than regular nets, or if he can't see them as good. He still stresses though. The best thing you can do is get a big net, one that'll fit into the bowl or tank, and scoop him up. That way he can't really flee. Just make sure it's not too big.

Answer 3

I cant stress enough, A BETTA NEEDS A 5G FILTERED AND HEATED TANK.

Answer 4

Keep it properly in a 5 gallon heated filtered tank and you won't ever have to catch it again.

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Answer 5

I have never been able to calm down a fish... I would be stressed every time someone randomly started chasing me with a big net too. Bettas are fighting fish, they freak out easily.  

Answer 6

remove all of the plants first them dont chase him around let him get near the net then scoop him up. make sure you bring the net up from under him. 8D