old betta help

[omgwtfpie]

Hi, first post, I think this is the right section. If not, sorry.

Well anyway I have an active healthy betta who is nearly 3. I know statistically he should die soon but whatever.

I have always kept him in a three gallon bowl; however I have a ten gallon tank lying around. I know how to set up a filtered tank and cycle it, etc. But I really want to know, should I even bother moving him to a filtered tank? Is he too old? Would it make enough of a difference in his quality of life to warrant the stress of the move? I care about this fish ya know. Also, all this time he has been in an unheated bowl and the tank would be heated for him.

And if it were worth it to move him, do you think he'd like any friends? Like a cory or a ocicat or something? Or should I just keep him alone? I know about stocking rates and stuff. But all I know is reasearch not real experience.

I just want the best for him, so if any suggestions please respond or email to me, thank you

[OrionGirl]

The tank would be better. Bettas can live much longer than three years--I had one for 5 years, and he had a very, very rough life. Keep the water parameters similar-including the temp initially, keep him solo for a month. This gives him time to get used to the larger tank, and the water current from a filter. Then you can introduce a few fish that will be compatible. Some pygmy cories would be a good choice.

[TKOS]

I would suggest adding only fish friends that don't compete for the same type of food. So bottom feeders are a good choice. My white clouds always beat the betta to the food and he wasn't getting any so I had to move him. Cories area good choice. So are freshwater shrimp (not crayfish or crabs) or else snails.

[Holly9937]

I think the tank would be great, let him live out the rest of his life in luxury! I would just make sure the tank is well cycled and all is the same so not to stress him too much. I've been told they will eat snaills if they are small enough, and if you go with the tank, corys would be fine, and you probably know this, but they are much happier in schools, at least 3 but I find that since I added a 4th, they hang out together even more and its very cute :D
Good luck!!!