How long can I keep a fish in a bowl?

I might (Or might not) be getting a fish (betta)
If I do end up getting him, can he stay in a 1 gallon bowl for about a week without a filter?
After a week he will be moved to a filtered tank.

 

Yes...if you do daily water changes. Why can't you move him to the bigger tank right away?

 

Its because I'm 3 hours away from my other fishes (visiting family)
That was my next question, Will he survive a 3 hour trip back home?

 

Oh, in that case, yes Just be sure to get some Prime and acclimate him slowly when you get him home so he's not shocked by the new water source.

If I were you I would get a food safe plastic container, fairly tall with a tight-fitting lid so that you can transport him with more water. The pet store you get him from should be able to provide you with a good size bag though, preferably 2 so you can double bag him, and he'll be fine in that for the trip.

 

OK, Thanks for the help (Even if I don't get him)

 

I have been known to stop at the pet store on my way to work and fall in love with a Betta, buy him, take him to work with me, put the bag in a container for support and open the bag for air while working, then tie the bag up again and take him home a few hours later!

 

I wish I could bring home any betta I like every time I go to Walmart or my LFSs. I just don't have the room or them money so I have to be picky

 

I was thinking, Could I do the same with schooling fish? 10x Harlequins for example? I know that they would basically be miserable for the week (They will be moved to a 29 gallon tank when I'm home) but could I? (Again, probably not going to happen)

 

I was thinking, Could I do the same with schooling fish? 10x Harlequins for example? I know that they would basically be miserable for the week (They will be moved to a 29 gallon tank when I'm home) but could I? (Again, probably not going to happen)

Could is a different question than Should - but regardless, yes you COULD this time of year IF you got a cheap sponge filter, a small air pump and a 6-12 gal plastic storage container with a lid. This is basically my QT set up (except I add a heater).

Since you won't be cycled with NEW sponge filter you will have to do daily water changes and dose with prime until you get home.

Seems like a lot of work - is there something special about the fish that would make them worth the effort?

 

What about buying them right before you head home? Would that be possible?

 

I'm probably not even going to get any fish
I was just being cautious just in case decided I couldn't wait to buy them before I get back

 

Well, no harm in being prepared. I carry a special container in my car that fits perfectly in my cupholder just in case I need to get a betta