Betta hurt badly.

Question
QUESTION: Hello, my poor betta was hurt badly during a transport to his new 5 gallon aquarium.  I had him isolated in a 30 gallon with some large mouthed bass (He was SAFE) but as I was trying to transport him to his new home he got passed the barrier and actually got swollen whole by my bass.  I chased the bass around for awhile and he regurgated him back up at which point I netted him and plopped the poor little guy into a cup.  He is a little traumatized but his body is still intact.  The guy has lost a lot of fin and I already added fish recovery formulas to the water.  Anyways What I was wondering is if it would be safe for his health to put him into his new home which has been freshly established or if I should put him back into his old home for revovery.

I need to know fast!
Thanks!

ANSWER: Hello Mike, i am sorry to hear what has happened to your betta. But happy that he is still alive. It would be best to put him back in his old home, because he will know where he is, and feel safe. Do not put him back in his new home, because he will see the bass and become scared. If you would like, after he has recovered put him in his new home, making sure, neither of them can get by. If the betta starts to show signs of depression, remove him and keep him in his old home. Betta's do in fact get depressed. I hope this helps.

Alejandra

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well I'll have you know my betta is doing just fine.  I put him in his old 30 gallon home where it was closed off by the barrier.  I was relieved when I found out that although he had been swallowed and ripped apart, his pride hadn't been tarnished at all.  The moment I put him back in he started to flare at the bass and tried to pick fights with them (but behind the barrier).  Anyways I would like to know how long I should wait until I can put him into his new home: the 5 gallon aquarium.

Thanks!
Mike

Answer
I glad to hear he at least showed that he was mad. That's a good sign, and shows he going to be fine. You should probably wait till your betta looks better, and you see that he is back to his old self. He should be active, and eating correctly. You do not have to wait for his fins to grow back all the way, because it will take some time. Just make sure he seems healthy.