How Long Can Betta Fish Go Without Food? (Beginner’s Guide)

Betta fish are a popular choice for pet Fish because of their vibrant colors and relatively low maintenance. They are also known as Siamese fighting fish because of their aggressive nature.

If you’re planning a vacation and wondering if you can leave your betta fish home alone, don’t worry! Betta fish can go up to 14 days without food! Of course, this is under optimal conditions and with a few caveats, which I’ll discuss in this article.

Most betta fish can go up to two weeks without food, but it is not recommended to let them go that long without feeding.

Betta Fish Care Guide While on Vacation

Whether you’re going on a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, it’s important to make sure your betta fish are properly cared for. Bettas are relatively low-maintenance fish, but there are still some things you need to do to prepare for your absence.

Here are some tips to keep your betta fish healthy and happy while you’re away:

  • First, consider investing in an automatic feeder that will dispense food at regular intervals. This will help to ensure that your fish don’t go hungry while you’re away.
  • You can also ask a friend or neighbor to drop by once a day to feed and check on your fish and top off their water, if necessary.
  • Don’t forget to change the water before you go. A fresh supply of water will help keep your fish healthy and happy.
  • Ensure you have a filtration system in place for a clean and well-aerated tank. Betta fish are sensitive to water quality, so a dirty tank can lead to illness.
  • Bettas are tropical fish, so they need warm water to thrive. If you’re going on vacation in a warm climate, your betta will be just fine. However, if the temperature is cold, you’ll need to take some steps to make sure your fish stays warm enough. One way to do this is to invest in an aquarium heater.
  • Make sure the temperature of the water is kept between 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • You also need to ensure your betta fish has a day and night cycle. This means that the lights in the tank should be on for about 12 hours in the day and off for the night time. You can use a timer to make sure the lights turn on and off at the same time each day.
  • Finally, it’s always a good idea to leave detailed instructions for anyone who is taking care of your fish in your absence.

How Does Automatic Fish Feeder and Block Feeder Work?

An automatic fish feeder is a device that automatically puts food into the tank at regular intervals. A block feeder is a type of automatic fish feeder that uses a block of food that slowly dissolves in water.

Automatic fish feeders are great for busy people who forget to feed their fish or for those who are going on vacation. They can be used to feed flake food, pellets, or freeze-dried foods. Most automatic fish feeders have a timer so you can set it to turn on and off at certain times. 

Block feeders are a great way to slowly release food into your tank over a period of time. This is especially useful if you have finicky eaters or if you want to extend the feeding time.

How Long Does it Take For a Betta Fish to Starve?

Betta fish are known to be able to go without food for long periods of time, but how long does it take for a betta fish to starve? Starvation is a serious issue that can lead to death, so it’s important to know how to prevent it and what signs to look for.

Bettas will be fine without food for up to 5-6 days, but after that, they will start using their reserves and enter starvation mode. The first sign of starvation is usually a loss of appetite, followed by weight loss and lethargy. If a betta fish is not fed within three weeks, it will most likely die from starvation.

If you’re going on vacation or otherwise away from home, make sure to ask someone else to feed your fish for you.

Betta Fish Diet and How Often Do You Feed a Betta Fish?

Bettas are carnivores and require a diet high in protein. A good quality betta fish food will provide all the nutrients your betta needs. How often you feed your betta depends on their age and activity level. Adult bettas can be fed once or twice a day, while juvenile bettas need to be fed 3-4 times a day.

If you’re not sure how much to feed your betta, start with a small amount and increase as needed. It’s better to err on the side of caution than overfeed your fish.

Can I Rely on Automatic Fish Feeders While Away?

An automatic fish feeder can be a great option for someone who doesn’t have time to dedicate to their fish. However, there are some things you need to check before buying.

One thing to consider is whether or not the automatic fish feeder can dispense the correct amount of food. If the feeder dispenses too much food, it can pollute the water and cause your fish to become sick.

Another thing to consider is whether or not the automatic feeder can accommodate different types of food. Some feeders only work with pellets, while others can accommodate flakes and other fish foods.

Are high-end models more reliable than cheap models?

Cheap models are often less reliable than high-end models such as the Ehiem automatic fish feeder, but there are a few exceptions. If you buy a cheap model, be sure to do your research to make sure it will work for your particular type of fish.

In general, automatic fish feeders are a great way to ensure your fish are getting the food they need, but they’re not perfect. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and check to ensure your bettas are getting enough to eat.