Best Fish Nets for Aquariums: Size, Mesh and Material Compared
A fish net seems like a simple purchase, but the wrong net can stress fish, damage fins, catch on decorations and make catching anything in a planted tank nearly impossible. This best fish net aquarium guide from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park helps you choose the right net for every situation.
Net Mesh Types
Coarse mesh (standard nylon): The cheapest and most common type. Coarse mesh moves through water quickly, making it easy to chase fast fish. However, the rough texture can damage delicate fins and remove the slime coat from sensitive species. Best for: hardy fish like tetras, barbs and livebearers during routine moves.
Fine mesh (soft nylon): A tighter weave that is gentler on fins and slime coats. It moves through water more slowly due to resistance, so catching fast fish requires more patience. Best for: bettas, angelfish, fancy goldfish and any long-finned species.
Ultra-fine mesh (shrimp nets): Extremely fine weave designed for catching tiny shrimp and fry without letting them slip through. Essential for anyone keeping cherry shrimp, Caridina or breeding fish. Available with small, round frames for nano tanks.
Net Size Guide
Choose a net size that matches your tank and fish:
8–10 cm (3–4 inch): Perfect for nano tanks and catching small fish and shrimp. Manoeuvrable in tight spaces among plants and hardscape.
13–15 cm (5–6 inch): The standard all-purpose size for 60–120 cm tanks. Large enough to scoop most community fish but still manageable in a planted layout.
20–25 cm (8–10 inch): For larger tanks and bigger fish like angels, discus, cichlids and plecos. The larger opening makes catching easier in open-water sections.
Handle Length
Short handles (25–30 cm) suit nano and standard desktop tanks. Long handles (40–60 cm) are essential for deep tanks or tall aquariums where you cannot reach the bottom with a short-handled net. Some brands offer telescoping handles that extend when needed — a versatile choice if you have multiple tank sizes.
Two-Net Technique
The most effective way to catch fish in a planted tank is the two-net method. Hold one large net stationary in the tank and use a second smaller net to gently guide the fish into the larger one. This reduces chase time, stress and the risk of damaging plants and hardscape. Fish tend to flee into the stationary net when pursued by the second one.
Alternatives to Nets
For extremely delicate fish, shrimp and fry, consider a clear acrylic fish trap or a small plastic container instead of a net. Fish cannot see transparent containers as easily and often swim right in. Breeding traps and box traps work well for catching specific fish in community tanks without disturbing the entire population. For shrimp, a glass or clear tube works — place it over the shrimp and cap the end.
Net Care and Hygiene
Rinse nets in clean water after each use and allow them to dry completely. Never share nets between quarantine tanks and display tanks without disinfecting — soak in a dilute potassium permanganate or bleach solution, then rinse thoroughly and dry. Replace nets when the mesh develops holes or the frame bends and will not straighten. A damaged net with holes lets fish escape mid-transfer, causing stress and potential injury.
Top Picks for Singapore
ISTA and Sudo soft-mesh nets are widely available at aquarium shops along Serangoon North and online. The Dennerle Nano net is excellent for shrimp tanks. For a premium option, the ADA Fish Net is beautifully made with a fine, gentle mesh — pricey at $15–$25 but a joy to use. Budget options from Dophin and Sobo at $2–$5 work perfectly well for everyday use.
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5 Everton Park #01-34B, Singapore 080005 · Open daily 11am – 8pm
