Bettas go to college

[FrisaGirl]

Hey all,
In about a month I'm going off to college. Of course, I'm bringing my boys along. I was wondering what would be the best way to transport them. Here's the situation:
I have two male bettas
One is a talebiter
Each has a 2.5 cycled minibow
The car ride is 16 hours, not counting rest stops and overnight stays.
If possible, I would like to keep the tanks cycled and I would like to stop for a few days in Michigan to visit relatives.

Can I work this?

I was thinking that I could put each boy in a jar for transport and pack them in a cooler (without ice, of course) to avoid overheating. I was wondering if I could keep my tanks partially cycled by keeping them set up and turning on their filters at night (to aerate the good bacteria). When visiting Michigan for a few days (possibly), I could put the boys back in their tanks. If neccessary, I could even bring some water from home for water changes, to avoid stressful changes in pH etc.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Frisia

 

[OrkyBetta]

Sounds good to me. I would also put a pinch of flake food in to keep up some ammonia in there, keep those tanks cycled! Or, put the media and gravel in a bucket with some dechlorinated water and some ammonia.

 

[FrisaGirl]

I'm glad that my plan seems fine. Just a few more questions. . .

Do you think it's a good idea to bring water from home? I think we might have well water in Michigan. And do I need to worry about tank size for my tailbiter? I seem to recall reading something about that somewhere.
Also, after arriving at college I'm going away on a 4-5 day camping trip. Will my boys be fine without food for that long?

Thanks,
Frisia.

 

[Elise]

I think it's good to bring water from home. I would do it. At least a little bit to mix into their new water. Although, when bettas ship from anywhere to where you are, you generally don;t put any of the old water in with them.

I don't know anything about tail biting, so I can't help you there.

Bettas can live without food for that long. If you choose to do that, just remember to introduce them back to food very slowly when you get back, so as not to shock their systems.

Good Luck!!