transferring large pleco to another tank

Question
I have had a pleco for a few years, and as he grew I upgraded tanks.  I have recently set up a new 70 gallon tank and am ready to transfer him to it.  My question is, what is the best way to "catch" him without hurting him, he is about 15 inches long and I know using a net would hurt him and he would get "stuck" in it with all his spiney fins, do you have any suggestions?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Angelia.  I feel your pain here, lol.  We have 2 huge plecos also (Godzilla and Godzookie) and the smallest is about 17" and the largest probably pushing 20".  We put them out in our 2nd pond this summer (by themselves) as we felt bad that they were stuck in the 100 gallon tank. We're getting ready to bring them back in now though. We'll use the pond skimmer/cleaner net to get them back in.

The only way I can really suggest is draining the water down real low and get a pair of dishwashing gloves. Then I'd net his head and then gently pick the back of him up and hold gently but firmly and move him.  I know this puts the slime coat at risk, but if you have stress coat you can add a little extra to the water.  If I come up with a better thought, I'll let you know!  Obviously the bigger the net the better.

Good luck!!!      ;o)

Please make sure the water in the new tank is properly cycled before you put your fish in, so he stays healthy. Here is some info in cycling a tank and it's importance:  http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Nitrogen_Cycle.html