what temperature water for a betta?

montanafish gal

montanafish gal

AC Members
Aug 1, 2009
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Calling all betta parents and experts!

When I set up my 5 gallon betta tank, I bought a heater that "claimed" to automatically keep the water at 78 degrees. (no, I don't remember the brand). Well, in 3 days it hasn't gotten the water any warmer than 74. I know betta's are tropical fish, is this temp ok? Altho I'm not too happy with the heater not working as claimed, if 74 is a good temp, then I won't worry about it. ( I use one of those stick on temperature indicators that turns green at the water temp)
Thanks!
 
74 is a tad cool for a betta. the lowest i would keep a betta at would be 76, but 78 to 80 is preferrable.

as for the stick on thermometers..... they're awesome for knowing what the air temperature is on the outside of the tank, but not that great for an accurate reading of water temperature. go get a floating glass one, and maybe your betta will play with it and bonk it around like mine used to, lol.

i'd be taking that heater back and getting a refund or exchange. might just be a bunk one.
 
ahhh ok. I thought it might be too cool. I think I will get a glass thermometer; I had wondered how good those stick on ones were! Thanks!
 
I know what heater you are talking about! Never could get mine to 78... >.< took it back and bought a nice one that still sucked... but was efficient
 
I used to have a heater that almost fried my fish. It was a Petcettera heater. I keep mine at 80 but then again, look at the health of my betta.
 
Buy the highest quality heater that you can afford. They are a disaster if they malfunction. They can get stuck on "ON" and cook your fish. A stealth is good, so is Jager. Don't get one any higher wattage than is reccomended for the size of tank that you have. Too big a heater heats the water too rapidly. 25 watts should be enough for a five gallon.
 
most prefer a temp around 80. but keep in mind a Betta is capable and built to handle temps much higher.
their Labyrinth organ allows them to breath in low O2 environment.
 
Your best bet is to get a Stealth Heater. I was given a Stealth Heater. Its made for tanks that are 2-8 gallons. It has a nob on top so that you can control the temp yourself and it shut on and off automatically. There are 2 things I know when it comes to bettas and temps...1...if they temp is to cold, they are sluggish and 2 if the temp is to warm like about 82 and up that makes them age faster along with the current being to strong. The Temp in your tank should be about 78-80 degrees. Good Luck.
 
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