How do I get my fishy friend home?

Question

So I'm getting a fish, the fact is established. I know I'm thinking very far ahead, but I'm just curious as to if anyone has any ideas for getting fishy home during winter/summer break? I'm only going to be getting a small tank, 5 gallons MAX (looking more at like..3). and thinking of having only a betta or a guppy. Can they survive like 30 minutes without the filter?

Answer 1

Put the fish in a jar or bag of water to transport it, just like when you buy it from a store. Never try to move a tank with water in it because there is a risk of cracking it. If you keep the filter media and gravel in a bucket of water you can set up the tank at home without having to worry about an ammonia spike.

Answer 2

Both can survive for 30 minutes without a filter.  The only thing I would be concerned about is temperature fluctuation.  You can try putting the fish (if you have them in bags) in a cooler (without ice of course) to try to keep their temperature steady.  Don't keep the fish confined for too long.  The water quality in the container will quickly degrade and the oxygen will be depleted.  Also, if you get a betta, make sure he has access to air while you move him.  

On a side note, don't move the tank with water in it.  The water puts a ton of stress on the seams and you run the risk of busting it.

Good luck!

EDIT

What you've posted will work for the trip home, but it'll probably be heavy.  On this plus side, this tank will give your fish more room than a bag and the water won't degrade as quickly.  In my opinion, it's kind of a waste of money because a one gallon tank isn't big enough to keep much of anything in besides a snail (if you wanted to get continued use out of it).  You can move the fish just as safely by putting them (or it) in bags for such a short trip.  

Beware of people telling you that a betta can thrive in a tiny bowl.  Bettas need at least 2.5 gallons of water with a filter and a heater.  Yes, bettas can survive in a tiny bowl.....but only for a little while.  If kept in such cramped, cold, dirty conditions, their lifespans greatly decrease.

Answer 3

I have a betta fish and it does not have a filter or a heater and it has been doing great! It builds bubble nests and nibble at my finger if i put it in the bowl! It is so cute :) If you get a betta it comes in a little plastic bowl. Just do not jostle it around very much or it might go belly up on the ride home.  

Answer 4

i got 2 guppys from a fair befor they wil live i had them in a tank 3 days without a filter and they are fine.

Answer 5

Set up the tank before you get your fish. That way, when you bring your new friend home in a baggie/small bowl it's new house will be all set and ready to go! Let the baggie float around the top of the water *suprivised, so it doesn't tip* for about 20 minutes so the temperature is adapted. Then untie the bag and let it roam around it's new home. A pretty simple thing to do :)

Answer 6

check out this sites answer to your question.