Keeping Betta warm

bobbi619

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Jan 17, 2003
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Washington
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Hi all, I have a small talk for my happy Betta boy (about 1.5 gal). My ? is how do I keep him warm if the house temps go down below 70. I heard of people setting the tank on a low set heating pad. Is this a safe option?
 
I wouldn't put a heating pad on it, unless the tank is raised enough that there will be airflow underneath and around the pad. I used a reptile heating pad for a 5 gallon tank for a while, and it would get the tank too hot, even with airflow. Instead, look into a clip on light (they sell them for the smaller tanks, I think they're called petpals?). The light will keep the tank warm, but you'll want to monitor it and make sure it doesn't get too warm. Doesn't take much to warm up such a small volume of water. I have a betta in a 2.5, and the light in the hood will get the tank up to 83F easily, if it's on for more than about 8 hours.
 
I actually used to keep my Betta in a 1 gallon tank (before the 5 gallon upgrade) and in the winter it gets cold in my apartment so I kept him on top of the fridge. It seems to throw enough heat to keep the tank at about 74F.
 
Thanks all, I will get a little clip on light for him.
 
bobbi, we figure you're in Washington State because in Washington D.C. keeping him warm would not be a problem.

Whew! it's as if we walked through a door from our cool wet spring into a blast of heat that's like August here in NYC!

My paradisefish is blowing bubbles. I wish I had a bachelorette for him.
 
Yep, Wa State. I think I was jumping the gun but we have been getting some pretty cold spells, altho its 80 today and my Betta boy is very happy, he has a huge bubble nest and always rebuilds one the day after I clean his house (once a week). His behavior is really funny, when I put the tip of my finger in his water he puffs up, stalks me then comes at me real quick for a bite & dash. Is he just being territorial? I've only had him a couple weeks so maybe he just doesn't know me well enough yet:rolleyes:
He's eating brine shrimp, blood worms, bio gold and I do put some betta min flakes in there sometimes, but I don't think he's liking those to well, he usually just takes a few flakes & leaves the rest for me to deal with.
 
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