How do I transfer my three goldfish to a different container to clean the tank?

Question

Hi, I have three goldfish and I was wondering what the best way is to transfer them to a different container to clean their tank. I don't have one of those green nets, so I was wondering an alternative way. I would probably prefer one that didn't cause any stress o the fish. Also, is it okay to scoop them in, say, a large cup, keep them there, and just pour it back in? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

you don't need to take out your fish for cleaning, because you're not suppose to clean the tank a 100% in the first place

Just get a gravelsiphon and do weekly partial waterchanges of 25%, with the fish in it

If you do a complete change, you need to cycle your tank all over again, because you will destroy all the bacteria that is in there


Hope that helps
Good luck

EB


any other questions, feel free to email me

Answer 2

Your idea of scooping into a large cup is actually a great idea.

You may have to scoop some of the water out first, so that you will be able to reach the fish. I used to use this method for my Betta.

You may need more than one cup, though. As it will be difficult to get all three fish in one scoop, I would suggest a smaller cup for scooping up the fish and then a larger cup to put the fish in after you scoop.

Answer 3

if you have it in a cup, make sure that the cup is large enough for the fish to swim around for a while. DON'T just pour it back in though, after leaving your tank to become room temperature, try to balance the cup in the water and leave it in there until the two water temperatures are the same then pour it in. this way the fish will adjust better.
another way is just like how they do it at the fish shop place, scoop your fish out with a bag (no holes) tie it up with some air still in it. clean your tank and then place your bag in and let the water temperature adjust, then place your fish back in.

Answer 4

Use a big cup and scoop them up. You won't be able to catch all three, so have a bowl nearby to pour them into with the water you scoop up. They'll be fine in the tank for a bit while you clean the tank. then fill the tank at least halfway full before you pour them back in so they don't slam into the bottom. Tank cleaning...yucky job...but necessary. :)

Answer 5

Before we got a net, my husband always used a paper cup. He would take one of my deep big bowls and transfer them into it. and clean out the tank and return them to it. We have them 3 years and never had a problem.

Answer 6

it really would be best to get a net , but i suppose you could use a cup and when you clean your aquarium dont forget to let the water set about 24 hours before you put your fish in

Answer 7

You should not have to remove your gold fish to clean the tank. You should only be removing about 20% of the water from the tank.
In the beginning your fish will have to get used to your hand in there cleaning. At first they may go crazy but their behavior will improve as they get used to you cleaning it.

the best way to clean your tank is to use an aquarium siphon or vacuume, these can be purchaced at any fish place

Answer 8

well u could use ur hands, they wont hurt u, but i would say find something bigger than a cup so that when u get most ur water poored out u can just dump the fish and the rest of the water is something else. but buy urself a net! much easier

Answer 9

u should get a net. it doesnt cause too much stress. just put some clean water in a container and scoop them up.

Answer 10

get a net and scoop one of them into it and dont rush to the container and just put the net in and let the fish swim out