My betas always enjoyed some 'out' time perched on my shoulder and a good petting every so often.
Actually, I have the worst track record for keeping up on beta tanks, cleaning etc, using tap water with just stress coat added and doing complete water changes when I did clean the tank out. (one gallon tank with no filteration)
BUT, with all the bad care on the betas we have had, one actually lived five years before floating the wrong way (dead) The rest were pretty big and old when we got them and they all did fairly well with my inattention and daily feedings, lasting way longer than we expected due to their size and age upon purchase or when someone else bought one for the daughter.
