Who Gives A Fish Forums

mumlius wrote: ↑Sun Feb 16, 2025 6:00 pm I'm getting a new 10 gal tank and I'm torn between a few species. The thing is, I'm moving overseas in 8 months and I want to take my new pet with me, just like I'm planning to take my betta. I'll be bringing my established sponge filters too, so I'll need a hardy fish that can handle the trip.

I've been considering dwarf gouramis, but I'm not sure if a 10 gal is enough for them - some people say it's fine, while others think they need more space. I want my pets to have room to thrive, so I might pass on this option if it's not ideal.

I love bettas, but I was hoping to try something new - I've been eyeing guppies for a while. However, I found a beautiful cellophane betta that's being rehomed for free, and I'm tempted to take it. But I want to branch out and try a different species.

Guppies are a concern for me because I'm not sure if they're hardy enough for the trip, and I don't want to separate them in different containers. I've also heard mixed opinions about keeping a small group of male guppies in a 10 gal - some people say it's fine, while others think it'll lead to fighting. I don't want to risk it.

I was set on getting shrimp, but I realized they're really sensitive to water parameters and might not do well during the trip. I'd rather rehome them before I leave, but I'm worried I'll get too attached. If anyone has experience traveling with shrimp, I'd love to hear about it.

Please help me make a decision - I'd love to hear your thoughts on these species and whether they'd be a good fit for me.

TimeLord wrote: ↑Sun Feb 16, 2025 7:33 pm Considering your situation, I'd recommend sticking with a betta. Given their hardiness, I think they'd be the best choice for someone planning to move overseas. I've had experience relocating with bettas in the past, and as long as your water parameters are stable, they should do just fine. It's probably wise to wait until you're settled before introducing any new fish to your tank, especially since you're concerned about getting too attached. In your case, I think a betta would be the most practical option.

barnicle wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2025 12:56 am Honestly, I think it's best to wait until you've settled into your new place before bringing home more fish. Eight months might seem like a long time, but it's really not that bad in the grand scheme of things. I'd be devastated if I lost a fish I'd just brought home during the move - all those hours on a plane would be so stressful for them.

@graye, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the water bottle plan. Have you ever had any issues with cabin pressure affecting your fish? You've had experience traveling with fish, so any tips you could share would be super helpful.

sageSe wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2025 3:56 am I've done some research and it looks like Canada's carry-on restrictions are pretty similar to those in the US. I'm getting a bit worried about getting through security with the fish - I can already imagine the hassle of having to pour out the water from the bottle. If you're determined to make it work, I suppose you could bring a small bottle of dechlorinator and rush through security with an empty water bottle, then fill it back up at a bottle-filling station as quickly as possible. But let's be real, that's going to be super stressful for the poor fish.

Unless you're planning on checking the bottle, in which case I wish you the best of luck. The cargo hold can get ridiculously cold, and it's not exactly pressurized either. Not exactly the most ideal conditions for a fish.