The Best Aquarium Nets
Whether you're manning a classic-looking fishbowl or a gigantic fish tank, properly setting up the aquatic environment is key. And while you may be all set when it comes to fish food and decorations, you may have overlooked one of the most important tools in the business: an aquarium net. You probably already know to use your net to scoop fish out for tank cleaning, but the net also serves so many other purposes. From fishing out uneaten food to scooping up baby brine shrimp and mosquito larvae, a good net helps maintain balance in your underwater world. That's why we've sifted through the competitors to bring you our favorite aquarium nets available today. Check them out below.
Penn-Plax QN2 Quick Net
Small but steady
If you’re just beginning your fish parent journey, getting a big tank can seem overwhelming, which is exactly why so many of us start small — both in terms of bowls and in terms of the occupants within. So if you’ve recently purchased some bettas, guppies, or smaller-sized goldfish, then you need an aquarium net to match. At only two inches wide, the Penn-Plax Quick Net is one of the smallest fish nets available today. This makes it the perfect tool for herding in sneaky, smaller fish that tend to hide when your net enters the bowl. And because the handle is short as well, you’ll have precise control over your movements no matter how small your aquarium is.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- Vinyl-covered handle for more strength
- Safe for most types of young adult fish
Cons:
- Coarse mesh won’t work for capturing fry or larvae
Pawfly Aquarium Net (4-Pack)
More function for more fish
No matter how well an aquarium net is constructed, the reality is that most will break down after a while. And this makes sense; after all, we are submerging them constantly in biologically-rich water every day. That’s why we prefer to buy our favorite nets in bulk from the get-go. We love the Pawfly multi-pack because it comes with four 4-inch nets for a great price. The size is perfect for a wide range of shrimps, small fish, and aquatic plants, while the soft mesh is designed for safer interaction with delicate fish. Plus, thanks to the triple-braided wire handle, you can use these nets the way you want without worrying about bending or bouncing.
Pros:
- Fine mesh captures more delicate fish and debris
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to hang for storage
Cons:
- Netting may become loose over time
Fish Pros Fish Net with Extendable Handle
Reach new depths again and again
While larger tanks are gorgeous and hold more diverse aquatic life, they require much more maintenance. And that’s especially the case if you have an aquarium net with a short handle. For deep-tank aficionados, we recommend a net with an extendable handle like this great stainless steel option by Fish Pros. The net telescopes up to a total of two feet in length, giving you access to those hard-to-reach places without getting your hands wet. And since it’s designed to be used in deeper water, the handle itself is rust-proof for longer, sturdier usage. But just because this net is durable doesn’t mean it’s not delicate; the fine mesh is safe for even the spikiest, spiniest fish.
Pros:
- Four-inch design is great for use with most types of fish
- Easy to clean
- Stainless steel design
Cons:
- Higher cost
- No locking mechanism on the telescoping handle
Weco Classic Brine Shrimp Net
Nothing but net
When it comes to choosing the right net for your aquarium, there are a lot of factors to consider, from width to handle length to the size of the mesh holes in the net itself. This last consideration is one of the most important because mesh that is too coarse can actually hurt your aquatic loved ones. But more than just protecting gill plates and fins, a fine mesh is preferable for also dealing with baby brine shrimp and mosquito larva. That’s precisely why this net from Weco is such a beloved tool amongst fish aficionados. Fresh-hatched brine shrimp are no match for the tiny holes in this net, which still easily drains water while scooping the little guys up.
Pros:
- Thicker, twisted wire handle
- Deep pocket
- Hole-free net construction
Cons:
- The bottom seam runs through the middle of the net, sometimes snagging shrimp in that area
Lasenersm Fish Tank Net
Just the right size
Once you’ve had a generation or two of guppies and bettas in your aquarium, you may be tempted to upgrade to some bigger, bolder-looking fish. Unfortunately, this also means you’ll have to upgrade your equipment. Using a fish tank net that’s too small for your swimmer risks injury to the fish or possibly even the fish leaping out of the net while it’s in motion. Thankfully, the folks over at Lasenersm designed a net with big fish in mind. With an opening that spans eight inches and a depth of over six inches, this aquarium net will fit your larger fish with room to spare, giving them a comfortable experience every time you enter the tank.
Pros:
- Useful for cleaning pond debris as well
- Moves easily through the water
- Green color blends in expertly
Cons:
- Short handle makes it hard to reach deeper fish tanks
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the different colors on aquarium nets actually mean something?
Most fish tank nets available today come in blue, green, black, or white options. While there may be some evidence to suggest that fish have a hard time seeing certain colors, making it easier to catch them with one of these nets, experts say that the colors are more for your own ease of use in distinguishing your nets.
Do I need to clean my aquarium net in between uses?
Absolutely. Aquarium nets are used to scoop out all kinds of icky debris from your tank, including diseased fish and parasites. Re-inserting your net without cleaning it beforehand risks contaminating the whole tank with whatever bacteria was there before. Thankfully, most fish stores sell a disinfecting solution that you can just keep on hand for quick net dipping before you re-enter your tank.
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