Works well for me

[Thyra]

I have a little sieve from the dollar store. Its 2 1/2 inches in diameter and only about an inch deep. I find it works really well for getting fish out of the bag or any tight place. I get them in and then slide it up the side of the bag and put my hand over it to keep them from jumping although mostly they lie still. When I set it in the tank water, they float right out - no trying to untangle them from in the net and there is nothing to get fins caught on or in. Actually it isn't as awkward as the net can be and they don't seem to get as frightened when approached. (My experience)

 

[bassbonediva]

I need one of those (only bigger) for catching my BN pleco. I had to net him out of the 10gal so I could put him back in the 55gal and he got himself stuck in the net.

 

[aakaakaak]

From what I've seen online plecos are easiest to move by hand. Just remember to not get poked. I think the whole sieve idea would work great.

 

[jamiejay09]

Sounds like a great idea, and bass i had that exact problem with my bn pleco, always got its bristles caught in the net and stressed himself out loads!

 

[bassbonediva]

He didn't get his bristles caught, he got one of his pectorals caught! I thought it was his bristles at first, but then I turned the net inside out and saw that it was actually his fin.

 

[OrangeCones]

I use a square bottomed clear glass vase to catch those hard to catch bottom dwellers. Standing up, it is 4" by 4" on the bottom, and 10" tall. I lay it on its side, directly in one corner of the tank and just 'herd' the fish I want toward the opening with a net. It is such a big opening, they don't see it as a trap (and being clear probabily helps). Once the fish I want is in the vase, I just gently tip it upright.

 

[aakaakaak]

That's genius!