Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm moving across town next month and need to transport my betta safely. What's the best way to do this without stressing them out? I've got a 5 gallon tank with a sponge filter and heater, but I'm worried about the ride.

I've moved my betta a few times. The key is to keep them in a small, secure container with some of their tank water. A 1 gallon jar or a fish bag works. Keep the temperature stable, maybe use a heat pack if it's cold. Don't feed them the day before to reduce waste.

Agree with quillmaster. Also, avoid sudden movements. If you're using a jar, fill it only halfway to prevent sloshing. Cover it with a lid but poke holes for air. Keep the container in a dark place to reduce stress. Test the setup beforehand to make sure the lid stays secure.

Yep, gotta keep it chill. I used a thermos once, worked like a charm. Just don't forget they're in there, lol. Also, if you're gonna be in the car for a while, check the temp every so often. Betta can handle a bit of a ride if you're careful.

I transported mine in a fish bag with pure oxygen from the LFS. They sealed it tight, and I double-bagged it for safety. The ride was about 2 hours, and he was fine. Just make sure the bag isn't too big or too small, enough water for them to move a bit.

Man, I once tried moving mine in a Tupperware. Sketchy idea, don't recommend. The lid popped off, and I had a betta on the loose in my car. Not fun. Stick to proper containers, folks.

daleon9 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 17, 2025 1:15 pm Yep, gotta keep it chill. I used a thermos once, worked like a charm. Just don't forget they're in there, lol. Also, if you're gonna be in the car for a while, check the temp every so often. Betta can handle a bit of a ride if you're careful.

A thermos? That's genius! Never thought of that. Gonna try it next time.

How long can they stay in the transport container? I've got a 4-hour drive coming up.

JazzWing wrote: ↑Tue Jun 17, 2025 6:44 pm How long can they stay in the transport container? I've got a 4-hour drive coming up.

They can handle 4 hours if the container is stable. Just don't leave them in there longer than necessary. Once you arrive, acclimate them slowly to the new tank water to avoid shock.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try the small container method and keep the temp stable. Appreciate the tips!