Holidays are coming, which is better..?

[wystearya]

Yes, the Holidays are quickly approaching and I have a small problem. I'm wondering whether it would be better to leave my Betta fish home (for up to a week) or to take him with me.

His home tank is a 5 gallon cycled and heated tank with live plants. The tank light is now on a timer, so that wouldn't be an issue.

His travel tank is 2.5 gallons with no filter, no light, no live plants. There is a heater. I would make the needed water changes.

I just want to know which is better? To take him with me for the week, thus leaving the home tank without an ammonia source. Also, the need for frequent water changes for his travel tank. -OR- To leave him home alone for the week. He would have everything, except food. There are a few tiny copepods in the tank, but that really isn't like a steady food source.

What should I do? If it would be longer than a week I'd take him for sure, but since it's not very long I feel he would be OK. Still, I worry..

Thanks!

[MrVampire181]

He'd be fine for a week in his own tank. You don't have to worry too much about him :)

[Capricorn]

Yep, just change the water right before you leave and he'll be fine without food for a week. (:

[wystearya]

Thank you both!

[1fish2fish]

I agree. If your just going to be gone a week don't worry about it. Give him a good meal before you leave and you should be set.

Something I do that is not necessarily needed is turn down the heaters to like 76*. This has to be done slowly over the few days before you leave. The reason why I do this is so the fish's metabolism slows down a little bit so he's not producing so much ammonia, but then since your tank is cycled you really don't need to do that.

[dramaqueen]

I agree with what everyone else has said.

[wystearya]

Thanks again!

[wallywestisthebest333]

I agree with everyone else as well! =]

Also do you know if your betta eats shrimp? if he does you could buy a few ghost shrimp before you leave and they could be a food source while you're away. =]

Just a thought though. Also I'm not 100% on whether it's the safest thing or not. Has anyone's betta gotten sick after eating a shrimp?

[TaylorW]

Originally Posted by Shane18

Holy crud take it with you! He'll die after 5 days! please take him!
He'll die of starvation!!!!

Stop being so rude! Bettas can go without food for a month at least, they won't die, just be really hungry! Don't post unless you've got your facts straight.

[TaylorW]

Your fishy will be fine, I swear I've seen people keep bettas in those tiny vases and they only fed the fish once a month, and the fish lived for a year or so.

Your fish will be fine, just grumpy that he didn't get fed! ;)