rescues and impulse buys

[newfiedragon]

I've always heard that a tank should be sitting for a few days before adding fish to it, but I've noticed a lot of people saying that they were at different pet stores, saw a fish that either needed to be rescued from the small container the fish is in or they just really wanted a certain fish and bought it.

Are you able to put a betta in a tank right away (after treating the water, of course)?

[ThePearlFish]

I personally have put fish in new tanks before (w/ water conditioned of course) and in "established" ones. both have worked fine for me. I think sometimes it is harder to cycle smaller tanks if I am not mistaken.

[Mitsufishi]

I have never cycled a tank, personally I think thats a option everyone makes on their own. I have impluse/rescue buys and they do just fine.

[1fish2fish]

You always have to acclimate a fish... you never just throw one in. But as far as rescues and impulse buys there's no reason you can't set a tank up quickly. Usually on bigger tanks you want it to sit a day before adding the fish if possible just to let the dust from the substrate settle, etc.

[newfiedragon]

Thanks!

I was wondering because I figure at some point, I'm gonna see either a rescue or an impulse buy, and I didn't want to cause stress to the fish by putting it in a tank that might not be set up properly. I knew you need to treat the water and acclimate the fish, just wasn't sure if the tank needed to sit for a while or if I could just buy everything needed for a new setup at the same time as I bought the fish.

[BeautifulBettaFish]

Good Question!
i like to have aged water sitting around (plus i put the betta plus -tap water conditioner )for water changes & possible new arrivals, but i really dont know ,i might just be making more work for myself than need be...

[McAttack]

My personal opinion is that yes it's safe to impulse buy these, as long as you can treat your water. The fact that you can do daily water changes kind of points to it. They're hardy fish. I set up a bowl spur of the moment for my sister and her little guy is very healthy and happy.