How Do You Remove Fish Without Over Stressing Them?

I need to remove 9 minnow-sized fish, one dwarf gourami, and 5 cory catfish from a 20 gallon long so that I can change the gravel and scrub off the tough algae with a mr clean sponge. The plan is to remove the plants then use the canister filter to start pumping the water into a bucket. After the water is a few inches deep I'm going to use a net to scoop them out then put them into the bucket for an hour or so while I clean and replant it. Is there anything I can do to make this less stressful for the fish?

 

Not really...you just need to be patient and be quick. They're just as stressed out as you.

 

Yup just try to minimize time they spend in a bucket as best you can. You can use a razor blade to scrape algae off the glass too, might be a bit easier than a sponge if it is really hard stuff.

 

Drain the tank into 2 five gallon buckets. Net the gourami and cories and put them in 1 bucket. Then net the minnows and put them in their own bucket. Put the filter on one of the buckets and you have plenty of time to do your upgrades.

Make sure the minnows don't jump out.

I move apartments every year. I've gotten moving fish down to a science.

I put them in bags when I move but buckets when I work in the tank. The key is to be quick. They aren't too stressed in the bucket as long as it's not too crowded, but hate it when you chase them around the tank with a net.

The gourm and cories are super easy to catch since they're such slow swimmers. The minnows are a pain.

And make sure to acclimate them to the new water before just dumping them back in! This is important if your tap water changes ph/hardness while in the tank from substrate or wood.

 

Use two nets. One in each hand. Use one net to herd fish into the other that you keep fixed.

 

Use two nets. One in each hand. Use one net to herd fish into the other that you keep fixed.

Yup, what Aniroc said.
And it is easier on you and the fish if the second net is relatively big. 3" and 6" nets for my, minus tails, 2½ and 2¾" goldfish work well.

 

Thank you for responding..means a lot. Today is the day and glad you've shared some valuable knowledge. Thanks again