I am planning to take my fish on a trip (don't ask), and am going to put it in a medium size cup. How long would it be OK to leave the cover on at a time, if there aren't any holes? Please don't assume I'm killing a fish, this is an honest (if possibly stupid) question!
2007-07-24 15:17:25 · 12 answers · asked by lemon_skate 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
This would only be for a couple of hours, and I could open it at intervals if needed. It's not a permanent arrangement!
2007-07-24 15:30:39 · update #1
If you think about it, in most cases they spend several hours in shipping to get to your pet store. It would be best to use the same type of packing method used by shippers to take your fish with you.
See if you can get a couple of plastic bags used for fish from your local store (you can also use plastic ziploc bags, but these can leak). Fill the bag with about 1/3 water, and leave the rest air, then add the fish and sealthe bag.
To keep the fish calm, you can put the plastic bag inside a brown paper bag, them put another plastic bag around all of this. The added volume over your cup will keep the water temperature from changing as rapidly, and you can use a small styrofoam container as an insulator. He'll probably be much happier in this than a cup, and since they can breathe surface air, he can probably go for a few days before needing a water change. (If possible bring water from home so there are no big water chemistry changes to deal with).
This should work ot if you're driving to get where you're going. If you're planning to fly, I would advise checking with your airline before you leave - you may not be permitted to take the fish on a flight, and knowing this ahead of time will allow you to make other arrangements - and it would be better than having to surrender him at the airport, or having to cancel your trip at the last minute.
2007-07-24 15:33:45 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Betas can breath air that's why they can be kept in such small containers. They can live for days with only the minimum of moisture. But as long as the water is well oxygenated they don't necessarily need additional air. If your transporting it in i.e. a quart jar, then leave at least 2 inches of air between the water and the lid. These fish are often shipped from the far east in only about an inch of water in a small plastic bag.
2007-07-24 15:50:04 · answer #2 · answered by Morty Smith C137 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will only last about an hour at most (and it will be very stressful). If there is any way you can put a couple reasonably sized holes in it, that would allow it to survive for days.
Edit: If you can open it every 20-30 minutes, it will be fine and there will be very little stress. It would be best in 2-3 inches of water with about 3-5 inches of air if that is at all possible. The more air, the better. Bettas breath from the atmosphere primarily, they can extract oxygen from the air, but that is their secondary method of respiration.
Nosoop4u
2007-07-24 15:24:06 · answer #3 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I agree with copperhead. Bettas are shipped worldwide, and often spend 48 hours in a tiny sealed bag (in pure oxygen and tranquilized water). A cup with a lid is fine. You could probably leave it like that overnight, but you should try to give it air if you are going to be traveling for more than 8 hours.
2007-07-24 15:51:58 · answer #4 · answered by fivespeed302 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Standard practice for shipping bettas is to keep the in plastic shipping bags (double) filled with 1/3 water and 2/3 air (oxygen), with this setup they can survive trips as long as 36 hours, as long as the temperature is kept at around 75-78F.
2007-07-25 06:43:08 · answer #5 · answered by aquamac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, Betta's breathe air from the water, and the air, if you change the water often and uncover it reguraly, then he should do fine (even though I have never done this before). I do suggest to make at least 1 small hole in the top, just to be safe.
2007-07-24 15:36:24 · answer #6 · answered by Esty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just poke a couple of small holes in the top on the cup. if he doesn't stress easily he'll be fine.
2007-07-24 17:21:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a product that gives oxygen to fish when in a 1 gallon tank or less. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12746&Ntt=oxygen&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1 check it out you might find it useful since you are traveling. :]
2007-07-24 16:11:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
86 hours 45minutes and 34 seconds and 65 mileseconds
2007-07-24 15:20:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
leave it without air an c how long it lives
2007-07-24 15:32:14 · answer #10 · answered by shabobla j 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋