DIY breeding net

[Lydia]

Hey everyone,

I have limited space for holding/spit and grow out tanks. So I made small "nursery" boxes to contain fry, that go in the home tank. That way they are still in their same water, etc. and I transfer them to grow out once they are a bit older. (I made these out of clear containers with lock on lids from the dollar store and they work GREAT!)

However, for teeny fry, I would like the have the netted type of breeding nets. The store bought ones aren't expensive, but I need several for different types of fish and to also have a variety of sizes to be tank size appropriate. Has anyone made any of these?

Your ideas and feedback is much appreciated.

[moganman]

Let's see some pictures

[Lydia]

Pics of WHAT? My plastic ones? Ok, I'll post some. BUT I'M LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON MAKING THE NETTED ONES FOR TEENY FRY FROM THE FORUM. Thanks to all who have gone before me and have advice!

Let's see some pictures

[barrettsline]

Use the same thing but get fine mesh at a fabric store on the outside of the box so they can't get out.

[Lydia]

Great idea - that's what I did! Unfortunately they got out the holes at the bottom and stuck between the plastic and mesh and died. So I need to go to complete net for these lil teeny guys if I want to keep them in home tank.

Use the same thing but get fine mesh at a fabric store on the outside of the box so they can't get out.

[HERM]

This past saturday I had a lab and a zebra spit out about 30 fry between the two so I put them in one of those net boxes . When I came home that night one of the bigger fish bit a small hole in one of the corners and most escaped . I drilled about 2,000 holes in a plastic container with a locking lid . I left the top 2 inches with no holes so that it will hold air and float . Also the bottom 3 inches has no holes , so it holds water when I pull it out of the tank . I'll try and post a pic .

[moganman]

This past saturday I had a lab and a zebra spit out about 30 fry between the two so I put them in one of those net boxes . When I came home that night one of the bigger fish bit a small hole in one of the corners and most escaped . I drilled about 2,000 holes in a plastic container with a locking lid . I left the top 2 inches with no holes so that it will hold air and float . Also the bottom 3 inches has no holes , so it holds water when I pull it out of the tank . I'll try and post a pic .

EXACTLY!!!! I've done that with those cheap mesh ones and it always ended with the same result. Holes in the mesh and all the babies eaten. What I've done in the past is get a plastic water bottle that I poke a bunch of small holes in. Put the babies in there and its indestructible. Not the prettiest thing to have a bottle floating around, but my fry have thrived in there many times. Now I just use fry tanks.

[Lydia]

Thanks guys. I will try to post pictures of my holding boxes and nurseries this weekend. I am going to make some more with smaller holes for the teeny guys. In mine, I drilled 3 holes - one on top for feeding so that I don't have to unlock the box, and then 2 on the side that I put suction cups in with locking pins. So they stick to the side of the home tank, suction cups don't come off, and I can feed right through the top. Herm, good idea on no holes on bottom 3 inches so that it holds water when you pick it up - duh - I didn't do that because I was so concerned about enough water flow through the box. I'll do the next ones like that - live and learn.

Just FYI - I did have another idea after reading the disasters with the netted ones. I use the plastic mesh sheets that they use in crafts to make tank dividers for my guppies and less pushy fish! The holes are different sizes and the sheets are smooth, but stiff. I am going to "sew" a holding box together with fishing line and see how that works for the little guys and let you know!

[Andrew_B]

Have you tried the petsmart breeder nets? They're all I use and work great. Built strong and with plastic at all the corners. And it's nice that they have a track along the glass and drop with water changes. The netting is real fine, I don't see how drilling could anywhere near as fine as these. You'd have to find a drill with a bit smaller than a needle

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3788232

[Lydia]

Andrew, thanks for that input. I will get one of these tonight and give it a try! Haven't ever seen those..........hey, you still have your vic breeders?

[Andrew_B]

Nah theyre gone - Good luck with the nets