New 10 gallon - betta, guppies, neos, dwarf gourami?

[corneliusmom]

Hey there! So I am now addicted to the hobby and will be getting a new 10 gal. I am considering ONE of the species above and would love your input. The most important consideration: I am moving overseas in 8 months, and am planning on bringing my betta with me on the plane in large water bottle (think Nalgene). I'd have to set up new tanks once I get there with my established sponge filters (which I will also be packing in a water bottle). I get attached to my pets so I'd want to do the same for whomever inhabits that second tank. As such, I need a decently hardy fish, which I know bettas are (well, at least mine is), but not sure about guppies, gourami, and even less so about Neos. A few more considerations:

- I am not sure if the dwarf gourami will be happy in a 10 gal; opinions seem pretty split. Some say it's more than enough for 1 male, others say they prefer more swimming room. This is the one I am most unsure about. I like my pets having room to thrive so I can easily pass on this option.

- I love bettas and already have one in a 10 gal; my introduction to the hobby, so I was hoping to branch out to a different species (been eyeing guppies for some time). However I found a listing on Marketplace for a beautiful cellophane betta it's owner wants to rehome for free and I'm torn.

- As I mentioned before, I want to take my pets when I move, and not sure if guppies are hardy enough. I am also hesitant to put them in the same container; would I have to split them up? That might be a bit much for me to take in my carry-on. Another issue with guppies is how divided opinions are regarding keeping a small group of males in a 10 gallon; everyone on r/aquariums say it's fine, but many on this forum say this will lead to fighting and the amount of guppies I'd need to spread aggression would require more than a 10 gal.

- I was set on shrimp until I gave more thought to travel arrangements. I know they're very sensitive to water parameters, and the nice folks at r/shrimptank told me I'd be better off rehoming them before I leave. I fear I might get too attached though, and in any case I'd want to rehome them with a friend or someone else I trust, but I can't think of anyone who would take them. If anyone has experience travelling with shrimp (a small group, since I'd only get females), I would welcome your input.

Please let me know what you think of this and help me make my decision!

 

[PlantedCommunityTank132]

I would not recommend bringing your fish overseas through a water bottle, but if you do, make sure that you don't put them in your carry on, otherwise they would have to empty the bottle, including the fish.
I haven't had guppies before, but from what I've heard, they are the hardiest fish from your selection

 

[corneliusmom]

I would not recommend bringing your fish overseas through a water bottle, but if you do, make sure that you don't put them in your carry on, otherwise they would have to empty the bottle, including the fish.
I haven't had guppies before, but from what I've heard, they are the hardiest fish from your selection

I did some research about this and it seems I am allowed to take my fish in a closed water container? TSA at least says so, and they tend to be the strictest regulatory agency. I think it is like with baby bottles and medication; they will allow you to pass over the 150ml liquid limit in exceptional circumstances. I think it also depends on the particular airline. I will obviously keep doing research about this, but I am not sure how safe it would be for the fish to pack them in a checked in baggage. Thanks for the advice on the guppies!

 

[GouramiGirl100]

Yes you can bring fish through TSA but it is not a guaranteed good outcome. Certainly doable but not ideal. If you know you will be moving in less than a year it may be a good idea to wait to ensure the best outcome

 

[corneliusmom]

Yes you can bring fish through TSA but it is not a guaranteed good outcome. Certainly doable but not ideal. If you know you will be moving in less than a year it may be a good idea to wait to ensure the best outcome

True... I've already had a my betta for a few months that I rescued from a pretty bad situation bc I am a softie, and this other betta also needs to be rescued from a community tank and I feel bad for him. my logic is that at the very least I can ensure he will be safe and happy with me for many months (better than his current situation), and do my best when I move.

 

[circle]

I think guppies and bettas are the only viable options to bring overseas, so pick your favourite I guess. As far as I think guppy aggression is very minor and you can easily get several males together with no females as long as it is not extreme (think ~5 males max.)

 

[sunflower430]

Random other suggestion that might travel ok... what about a rabbit snail? Then you could get it a betta friend once you move.

 

[Sewerrat]

Dwarf gourami can work Ina 10 gallon but shouldn't be in a tank with a betta