Sunday, May 18, 2014

Choosing Tropical Fish Collecting Nets

By Rosie Stafford


It is possible to collect your own tropical fish. To do so, the most effective method is to use a hand net while diving or snorkeling. Tropical fish collecting nets are available for this purpose from local and online suppliers. A net can also be very handy for those who own aquariums.

A range of these products are found at local suppliers and from online stores. Shopping online allows one to compare the different products more easily. One can view the images on the sites and check the specifications given, such as depth and mesh size. Customer reviews can also be read and prices easily compared.

The first factor to consider when buying such a product is the material from which it is made. One made from a material that is too coarse can cause damage to the scales. A flexible, soft material is preferable. The mesh must be of the right size too. Specimens should not be able to swim right through the holes or get tangled in the net, suffering damage to gills or scales.

One also has to make sure that the net is deep enough. If it is too shallow, specimens can easily swim in and out again before you have time to react. Another factor to consider is that fishes swim at different depths. Larger ones tend to swim higher up while smaller specimens tend to swim close to the bottom. The size of of net chosen will depend on the size specimens you are going for. For example, if you want to collect larger show specimens, your net will need to be about 6 foot high, whereas with specimens of small to medium size a 3 foot net is sufficient.

Visibility and ease of movement are also very important. A net which is too visible in the water will cause specimens to shy away. Invisible clear sides are best. Use of a strong acrylic frame and soft netting, like a monofilament one, allows for easier movement through the water. A heavier frame and coarse material will obviously have more drag. The type of bottom used can also make a difference.

You will also need to look for handles that are easy to use. They should also be made out of materials that are light in weight and yet sturdy at the same time. Find out whether you can attach it to a rope line or clip to store it easily when it is not being used. The frame can be made of various different materials such as stainless steel, clear acrylic or aluminum.

Nets are not only used for collecting specimens but comes in handy for many other purposes too. It can be used to remove dead specimens from a tank, remove live ones for a full cleaning or to rescue a diseased or injured one. Those who own tanks often have at least too good nets. A small one is good for getting into tight corners and a larger one is good for a quick grab. The smaller one can be used to chase fishes, driving them into the larger one.

If you decide to collect your own specimens, this is possible and offers you the opportunity to get exactly what you want. This is usually accomplished when diving or snorkeling with a hand net. The right net has to be chosen that is not only durable and easy to use but is as invisible as possible and moves through the water with ease.




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