Question:I have a beta fish... I'm going to be gone for about 6 1/2 days. How long can you leave a beta fish without feeding it? I know there are slow release feeding things, but I'm not sure where to get one.
There's also some algae in the bowl with it, (I'm not sure if betas eat algae?)
Answers:
As cold blooded creatures that don't need energy to warm their bodies they can literally go weeks without food if they start off from a healthy state. You can safely leave your betta, assuming it's well fed and healthy from the start, for those 7 days. The algae does no harm and gives the betta little, if any, nutrition.
You can get those slow release blocks at any fish or pet store, though they are almost no nutrition and all filler that can pollute the water - in the end buying these is like paying extra not to feed the fish.
Your betta will be fine. Don't use one of those slow-release feeders, they tend to cause more harm than help.
Bettas can go up to a week unfed without any harm. Feed your betta a regular portion before you leave - don't overfeed, it will cause constipation and other digestive problems for him. He should be fine when you come back, but if he's in any less than a 2 gallon filtered tank, you need to worry about someone doing water changes too.
You should do something about that algae, though - try giving your tank less sunlight, and adding somemore fast-growing plants like moss balls.
I think 6 days
i once has a gold fish named Larry and I only fed him for the 1st week I had him. after that he lived for a full year by eating its own fices from the rocks at the bottom of the tank. so its hard to say.
Ok you fish will be fine, just feed him right before you leave, and as soon as you get back!
BTW, you can get the slow release things at wallmart, or any pet store. There in the fish department.
More Questions & Answers...