Hello, We have a fifth wheel toy hauler and travel as a family full time. My youngest is turning 7 in a couple weeks and loves fish. I thought it would be really neat if we could figure out a way to have one. I have done some reading on it and it sounds like overall a Betta fish could be a good choice- we could keep it in the sink with a towel on travel days etc. The only concern with the Betta is the temperature changes and not having electricity on travel days to keep a tank heated for it. Have any of you traveled successfully with a Betta? If so, can you tell me how?Or is there a better fish suited to our situation-possibly a cold water fish that does not need a filter?Any thoughts would be appreciated, including if it really won’t work????Thank you!

With all the vibration, sloshing water, and the challenge of keeping the tank upright, personally I would not want to be your fish! I'm not sure how long it would survive. Heck, the stores tell people not to even tap on their glass tanks because it upsets the fish (allegedly may shorten their lives).When I was 7 my uncle got me a pair of little turtles. Those might do better in a traveling environment, if you can talk your kiddo into it.

I've moved aquarium fish around the country a number of times. We would carry them in a styrofoam cooler and drop an air stone in when we stopped for the day. The cooler obviously slowed down any temperature changes of the water. We kept the same one on hand for use each time. You may need to "age" the cooler interior before using it the first time. Maybe fill it with water from the aquarium for a few days. They'll need some light so cover with plexiglass when you stop for the day.

Turtles are fun and I had them as a kid. Today, however, we know turtles are not safe to handle.Humane Society https://www.humanesociety.org/news/thinking-getting-pet-turtle

Yeah that might be tough on a fish. Sounds like DougE knows what he's talking about.

May be time for the seven year old to go camping without a fish.

Traveling with a Fish | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

agteacher
Explorer
May 16, 2020
I had a goldfish when in college. Moved him multiple times. Put him and water in an old miracle whip jar with holes in lid and set that in fishbowl. When got to location, poured all in bowl and added fresh dechlorinated room temp water to fill. He lived the whole time I was in college and a couple years beyond.
2oldman
Explorer II
May 15, 2020
way2roll wrote:
Teach your child a different lesson - one that shows that it's better to show empathy for animals than allow them to suffer for your amusement.
One of the kindest most thoughtful posts on here, ever.
Horsedoc
Explorer II
May 14, 2020
way2roll wrote:
Don't let your son's want for a fish eclipse the cruelty of what you are proposing to do. This is a bad idea. The movement and unstable environment is unhealthy and at best case miserable for the fish. I mean, it's bad enough they already spend their life in a few cubic inches. Teach your child a different lesson - one that shows that it's better to show empathy for animals than allow them to suffer for your amusement.

I have raised fresh and saltwater fish for decades - always raised never plucked naturally and always with massive tank sizes. An RV is no place for a fish. When you plan your routes - include visits to aquariums instead.

Excellent advice. Some creatures shouldn't be bounced around in a moving vehicle.
way2roll
Navigator II
May 14, 2020
Don't let your son's want for a fish eclipse the cruelty of what you are proposing to do. This is a bad idea. The movement and unstable environment is unhealthy and at best case miserable for the fish. I mean, it's bad enough they already spend their life in a few cubic inches. Teach your child a different lesson - one that shows that it's better to show empathy for animals than allow them to suffer for your amusement.

I have raised fresh and saltwater fish for decades - always raised never plucked naturally and always with massive tank sizes. An RV is no place for a fish. When you plan your routes - include visits to aquariums instead.
SDcampowneroper
Explorer
May 02, 2020
Frabill website says 2 D cell batteries last up to 50+ hours. Does not say what brand batteries
I have kept up to 2 dozen minnows in one for 24 hours with only a couple dying. Betas or guppies are much hardier, oxygen and temp.wise. As well, you are aerating only a couple of fish, not dozens.
valhalla360
Navigator
May 01, 2020
SDcampowneroperator wrote:
battery powered air bubblers are easy to find , they are common for minnow buckets.
ebay, walmart, Frabill 2.2 gal. direct. cheapest best insulated minnow buket aerator they have a lid

Except a 10% kill rate in bait is acceptable.

Yes, fish are shipped but not repeatedly with only short breaks between travel and even then there are losses.

I used to keep a few aquariums and no it's not a good idea.
Reflections4
Explorer
May 01, 2020
Ok thank you...I think the air filter was in response to if we got a cold weather fish. Do you know if there are battery powered warmers for a travel day with a Betta that was cooler?
ndrorder
Explorer
May 01, 2020
A bubbler isn't required, if you get a betta fish. They've adapted simple lungs and will gulp air from the surface of the water. It will travel just fine in a plastic bag that is half filled with air. Dealers send fish all over the world in this manner. If you get the fish from a mom and pop pet store, I'm sure they'll show you how to close the bag there is plenty of air without using a compressor or breathing into it. While you're there, they would probably give you a few bags and rubber bands if you ask. Then, travel with the bag in the bathroom sink so it doesn't roll around. Refresh the air in the bag when you stop for gas or to eat.
Reflections4
Explorer
May 01, 2020
Thank you all for your input:)
Reflections4
Explorer
May 01, 2020
Oh interesting SDcampowneroperator....this is the type of idea I was looking for...do you know about how long the battery powered bubblers might last?

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Traveling with a Fish

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