The best aquarium net - Chicago Tribune
Trying to maintain a clean, well-stocked aquarium, fish bowl or tank without a proper aquarium net is like keeping up a house without any brooms or vacuums. Crud will start to accumulate pretty fast. Aquarium nets are cheap, flexible and long-lasting solutions to help keep your aquarium clean.
Depending on the size and shape of your aquarium, some nets may be a better fit for you than others. For an aquarium net that's long enough to reach into just about any tank and features a sturdy, easy-to-clean design, Pawfly's Telescopic Aquarium Net would be a great pick to play a part in your finned friends' cleanup crew.
What to know before you buy an aquarium net
Why do I need an aquarium net for my fish tank?
There's so much you can do with an aquarium net. Aside from moving your fish if need be, you can also remove bits of algae, feces or other particulates that may float around and cloud up your fish's aquarium. You can also get rid of uneaten food, skim any floating debris that might be lying on top of the water or even move around aquarium decorations without needing to use your hands.
Width and length of the net
The width of the net itself will determine how much you can scoop up. If you have large fish or suspect you'll be fishing out large objects, keep that in mind when purchasing a net. On the other hand, the length of a net is important, too. You don't want to buy a net that can't reach to the bottom of your aquarium tank. Some nets are telescopic, meaning they can expand out to become longer and be folded back in for ease of storage; this type of net is a safe bet when you're not entirely sure how deep your fish tank is.
The mesh netting itself
Smaller meshing means the net will catch more particulates, debris, uneaten food or whatnot, but may be harder to clean due to being so thin. They also may not be as durable as larger meshing.
Aquarium net features
Color
While it's mostly an aesthetic choice, aquarium nets come in a variety of colors, most notably blue, red, white and black.
Hook ring for simple storage
Some aquarium nets come with a hook or a ring at the end so that when you're done using it, you can hang it up somewhere near your aquarium for easy storage.
Type of material
Aquarium nets are often made of plastic, but the particular material depends on each manufacturer, and some plastics are stronger or more durable than others, which is something to keep in mind.
Aquarium net cost
Aquarium nets cost $1-$10, depending on whether they're built to last, have telescopic elongation or ultra-soft netting.
Aquarium net FAQ
How often should I fish out particulates from my aquarium?
A. If you've started to notice particulates, rubbish or uneaten food floating in your fish's tank, it's already time to fish them out. It's easy to put it off, but chances are, you'll keep forgetting until it becomes such an insurmountable task that you have to just drain the tank, which is a hassle beyond hassles.
How should I remove fish from my aquarium?
A. You can use your aquarium net to gently move your fish from one tank to the next or to take out your fish to go to the vet, but be sure to be delicate with your touch. Minimize any time your fish spends out of water and try to have a bag or new bowl already filled with water and ready to go so that you don't have a tragic accident with your fish.
Which aquarium net should I get?
Best of the best aquarium net
Pawfly Telescopic Aquarium Net: available at Amazon
Our take: This elongating and durable telescopic net takes the pain out of cleaning your little fishy friend's tank.
What we like: Fish owners love the gentle, soft meshing on this net, making it safe to use to move your fish. It can go from 9-24 inches, so it can reach into even the deepest of tanks. It's light and resistant to rusting and comes with a hook ring for easy storage. The uber-soft netting makes this net good for even the most delicate of species, while still being big enough to handle some larger types of fish.
What we dislike: If your tank is small, this longer net may be overkill.
Best bang for your buck aquarium net
Penn-Plax Aquarium Fish Net: available at Amazon
Our take: When it comes to solid, basic-fish nets, this dependable net comes at a great price.
What we like: Pet owners with beta fish or other small fish love how flexible yet durable this net is. The mesh is tough but delicate enough for small species. This net comes in multiple-size options. The handle is vinyl-coated and strong enough to withstand regular use. The price point is highly competitive.
What we dislike: Sadly, this net does not offer telescoping, so its length is not customizable.
Honorable mention aquarium net
Marina Fine Blue Nylon Net: available at Amazon
Our take: The delicate-nylon netting on this model makes it the perfect choice for owners of fish with flowy, soft fins.
What we like: The silky netting combined with a tough-plastic handle makes this net a good bet for those wanting a net with a delicate touch, but a sturdy handle. It's available in multiple sizes, so you can pick the perfect proportions for your tank.
What we dislike: Compared to other models, this nylon net is not as durable and may break with repeated use. It doesn't feature telescopic expansion.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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