Out to get that "dam"sel

Aquarist007 · 02/14/2008, 10:41 AM

I tried about every traditional way of catching a zebra striped damsel who insists on tearing apart every new fish I introduce to my main tank. I have about 8 fish in my 30 gal just waiting to be introduced or brought back to the main tank---so that damsel's gotta go.

I saw a post where someone posted a pic of a trap that was like the old bait catchers we used to catch minnow; with the funnel opening. the back of the trap was webbed not solid

anyone know what I am talking about here---and have a link--nobody locally has seen it

thanks
Scott

jubjub · 02/14/2008, 10:55 AM

might sound cruel put in a bigger fish to eat the pest...haha....

Doe5ia14 · 02/14/2008, 11:02 AM

Try a 2-liter bottle cut in half and invert the "funnel" side in, then bait the trap.

reefkeeper135 · 02/14/2008, 11:25 AM

"Doe5ia14" beat me to it!! clear bottle of course

DLANDINO · 02/14/2008, 12:00 PM

That is how I trapped two of them last month. The first went in almost immediately and the second took about 2 hours. I tied a fishing line to a small hole in the "top" portion of the bottle and as soon as they went in, I hauled them in like a trophy bass. I bated them with regular marine flake. No wet hands. Good luck.

spockthepuffer · 02/14/2008, 01:43 PM

I'm a little confused about how this is set up...

What do you put over the bigger end so it doesn't get out.

I have a blue damsel that also NEEDS to go.

anyone have a picture?

DLANDINO · 02/14/2008, 01:47 PM

this is the model i followed. http://www.floridadriftwood.com/fish_trap.htm

spockthepuffer · 02/14/2008, 01:53 PM

THANK YOU!!! Finally, I won't have to look at that evil blue damsel anymore!!

MUAHAHAHA!

(yes that was an evil laugh)

masonicman · 02/14/2008, 02:03 PM

My domino damsel was just like that.

Water bottle and fishing line trick (see web site below). Tie fishing line to one of the hole punched holes in order to pull the trap up to the top of the tank before the fish can escape. I found out that I needed to make the hole large enough for all the fish to go into it and come out. My domino damsel was smart. But once he seen my y tang going in and out snacking on the freeze dried shrimp. That was the trick part of it. You want the fish to be able to go in and out. Curiousity got to the best of him. He went in and I was waiting accross the room and quicky pull the line until the bottle raised right to the top.

You can use a small bottle if needed. Use a spring water bottle only. No chemicals in the bottle to worry about.

http://www.floridadriftwood.com/fish_trap.htm

Worked for me catching all of my 3 damsels. I even caught my other fish also that I didn't want to. They were going in the trap also.

Aquarist007 · 02/14/2008, 03:13 PM

I'll try this but I think this damsel is a little too smart for this kind of trap. The hole might be too small for it also.

masonicman · 02/15/2008, 08:29 AM

capn_hylinur

That's why I said make the hole big enough for it to go in and out a few time to feel comfortable. Yes they are very smart and they learn from experience. If you read the part about the hole being big enough you should be able to catch it. The fishing line tied to the trap is to be able to pull the trap straight up (standing position) the fish will be disorientated and you can contiune to pull the trap straight up to the top of the tank and the damsel will not be able to get out. You have to be quick on the pull because the hole is big enough for it to get out.

ReefTECK · 02/15/2008, 09:37 AM

one word, one solution, a fisherman's trick for years...... Dynamite. Just watch out for MAC officials! lol.

Aquarist007 · 02/15/2008, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReefTECK
one word, one solution, a fisherman's trick for years...... Dynamite. Just watch out for MAC officials! lol.

tried that--really messy--and my wife got mad because I got the carpet wet

MR PALM BEACH · 02/15/2008, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doe5ia14
Try a 2-liter bottle cut in half and invert the "funnel" side in, then bait the trap.

This worked for me, I caught 3 fish that I didnt want in the first 5 minutes then finally an hour later I got the one I needed.

Aquarist007 · 02/15/2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MR PALM BEACH
This worked for me, I caught 3 fish that I didnt want in the first 5 minutes then finally an hour later I got the one I needed.

did you suspend the pop bottle or lay it on the bottom on the substrate, top of the reef.

MR PALM BEACH · 02/15/2008, 07:53 PM

I put the 2 liter down at the bottom, kinda proped against some rocks so it wouldnt float all over the place. Next I put a frozen brine shrimp cube In there and then sat back and watched. Just got to be kinda of patiant thats the pain in the a$$ part.

LobsterOfJustice · 02/15/2008, 09:35 PM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1200936

Aquarist007 · 02/15/2008, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LobsterOfJustice
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1200936

yeah==thanks--glad you got yours out

I have tried the trap thing and waited for two hours. I also baited a hook and fished for two hours(I have more success down riggiing for salmon and trout in Lake Ontario)

But leaving the trap in there for a couple of days just might acclimatize it --I am leaning towards the inverted pop bottle trap

PayasoDelMar · 02/16/2008, 12:39 AM

Heh me and my friend tried taking out a bleu gregory damsel he had in his tank...we being horrible at it gave up using the net and just cleared out all the rocks and tried to get it...in the end we failed lol...

Mavrk · 02/16/2008, 01:07 AM

Have you tried one of these?
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752410

Just move slow. My LFS uses these and they work pretty well(just note that the hole in the back of the handle is there to drain some water out, but can make a mess if you don't realize it is there). These are also good for avoiding the snags of traditional nets. I haven't gotten one yet, but am considering it.

LobsterOfJustice · 02/16/2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by capn_hylinur
yeah==thanks--glad you got yours out

I have tried the trap thing and waited for two hours. I also baited a hook and fished for two hours(I have more success down riggiing for salmon and trout in Lake Ontario)

But leaving the trap in there for a couple of days just might acclimatize it --I am leaning towards the inverted pop bottle trap

Yeah, it took me maybe 3 weeks to get him. After the first week the angel and tang went right into the trap at feeding time (the food is squirted into the trap), but it took a while for the damsel. I pulled it on him one or two times and he got out, but I eventually got him.

Aquarist007 · 02/16/2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LobsterOfJustice
Yeah, it took me maybe 3 weeks to get him. After the first week the angel and tang went right into the trap at feeding time (the food is squirted into the trap), but it took a while for the damsel. I pulled it on him one or two times and he got out, but I eventually got him.

that's the concept I have been missing--feeding all the fish from the trap for a week or so.

sometimes I wonder why I bother--it only goes after this one perc clown fish--everytime I introduce it back in --it doesn't bother with small bassellets, gobies, blennies, anthias, green chromies and definetly not the tangs.
I saw a red clown the other day for 40 bucks--it had to be 4 inches anyway--I was tempted to put it in the tank and fool the grandkids---their the reason I keep putting this poor clown fish in the tank and then removing it from the sump

(remember the old carton with sylevester chasing the mouse around a corner only to kind a kangaroo on the other side

I wonder what that damsel would do when it went after a 4 inch clown

02/14/2008, 10:41 AM	#1
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	Out to get that "dam"sel I tried about every traditional way of catching a zebra striped damsel who insists on tearing apart every new fish I introduce to my main tank. I have about 8 fish in my 30 gal just waiting to be introduced or brought back to the main tank---so that damsel's gotta go. I saw a post where someone posted a pic of a trap that was like the old bait catchers we used to catch minnow; with the funnel opening. the back of the trap was webbed not solid anyone know what I am talking about here---and have a link--nobody locally has seen it thanks Scott __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

02/14/2008, 10:55 AM	#2
jubjub Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: vacaville, cali Posts: 2,698	might sound cruel put in a bigger fish to eat the pest...haha.... __________________ "The world holds two classes of men - intelligent men without religion, and religious men without intelligence." - Abu Ala Al-Maari

02/14/2008, 12:00 PM	#5
DLANDINO D.L. Heritage Rings Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clinton, CT USA Posts: 5,610	clear bottle That is how I trapped two of them last month. The first went in almost immediately and the second took about 2 hours. I tied a fishing line to a small hole in the "top" portion of the bottle and as soon as they went in, I hauled them in like a trophy bass. I bated them with regular marine flake. No wet hands. Good luck. __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: JBJ 8 Nano mixed

02/14/2008, 01:47 PM	#7
DLANDINO D.L. Heritage Rings Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clinton, CT USA Posts: 5,610	try this address this is the model i followed. http://www.floridadriftwood.com/fish_trap.htm __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: JBJ 8 Nano mixed

02/14/2008, 02:03 PM	#9
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	My domino damsel was just like that. Water bottle and fishing line trick (see web site below). Tie fishing line to one of the hole punched holes in order to pull the trap up to the top of the tank before the fish can escape. I found out that I needed to make the hole large enough for all the fish to go into it and come out. My domino damsel was smart. But once he seen my y tang going in and out snacking on the freeze dried shrimp. That was the trick part of it. You want the fish to be able to go in and out. Curiousity got to the best of him. He went in and I was waiting accross the room and quicky pull the line until the bottle raised right to the top. You can use a small bottle if needed. Use a spring water bottle only. No chemicals in the bottle to worry about. http://www.floridadriftwood.com/fish_trap.htm Worked for me catching all of my 3 damsels. I even caught my other fish also that I didn't want to. They were going in the trap also. __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.

02/14/2008, 11:02 AM	#3
Doe5ia14 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Corona Posts: 549	Try a 2-liter bottle cut in half and invert the "funnel" side in, then bait the trap.

02/14/2008, 11:25 AM	#4
reefkeeper135 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yuma Arizona Posts: 531	"Doe5ia14" beat me to it!! clear bottle of course

02/14/2008, 01:43 PM	#6
spockthepuffer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 44	I'm a little confused about how this is set up... What do you put over the bigger end so it doesn't get out. I have a blue damsel that also NEEDS to go. anyone have a picture?

02/14/2008, 01:53 PM	#8
spockthepuffer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 44	THANK YOU!!! Finally, I won't have to look at that evil blue damsel anymore!! MUAHAHAHA! (yes that was an evil laugh)

02/14/2008, 03:13 PM	#10
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	I'll try this but I think this damsel is a little too smart for this kind of trap. The hole might be too small for it also. __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

02/15/2008, 08:29 AM	#11
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	capn_hylinur That's why I said make the hole big enough for it to go in and out a few time to feel comfortable. Yes they are very smart and they learn from experience. If you read the part about the hole being big enough you should be able to catch it. The fishing line tied to the trap is to be able to pull the trap straight up (standing position) the fish will be disorientated and you can contiune to pull the trap straight up to the top of the tank and the damsel will not be able to get out. You have to be quick on the pull because the hole is big enough for it to get out. __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.

02/15/2008, 09:37 AM	#12
ReefTECK Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Iowa City, Iowa Posts: 901	one word, one solution, a fisherman's trick for years...... Dynamite. Just watch out for MAC officials! lol. __________________ 2013 President of the Greater Iowa Reef Society www.iowareefs.org Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Tank, 96 DIY LED's on 3 channels, 30gal sump/fuge, 4x2x0.5' & 40gal frag tank, SRO Ca rxr, GSA Kalk rxr, SRO 3000 skmr, Gen-X PCX40 Return, 2xMP40w's, 1xTunze 6101, 140lbs LR, SSB, SPS all the way!

02/15/2008, 07:53 PM	#16
MR PALM BEACH Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Jupiter, Fl Posts: 802	I put the 2 liter down at the bottom, kinda proped against some rocks so it wouldnt float all over the place. Next I put a frozen brine shrimp cube In there and then sat back and watched. Just got to be kinda of patiant thats the pain in the a$$ part. __________________ And I thought buying an puppy would be to expensive! Current Tank Info: 23" LCD with Windows Aquarium screen saver.

02/15/2008, 09:35 PM	#17
LobsterOfJustice Recovering Detritophobe Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 7,443	http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1200936 __________________ If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. I remember when zoanthids were called things like "green" and "orange" and not "reverse gorilla nipple." Current Tank Info: 180g reef with all the bells and whistles

02/16/2008, 12:39 AM	#19
PayasoDelMar Moved On Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Costa Rica Posts: 452	Heh me and my friend tried taking out a bleu gregory damsel he had in his tank...we being horrible at it gave up using the net and just cleared out all the rocks and tried to get it...in the end we failed lol...

02/16/2008, 01:07 AM	#20
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	Have you tried one of these? http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752410 Just move slow. My LFS uses these and they work pretty well(just note that the hole in the back of the handle is there to drain some water out, but can make a mess if you don't realize it is there). These are also good for avoiding the snags of traditional nets. I haven't gotten one yet, but am considering it.