Betta Fish is cold?

Question

i have a male Betta fish. Since we got this fish as present, we don't have a tank to put it in so it is in a 4 gallon glass bowl. I live near San Jose and it's starting to get pretty cold around here. I've read in many places that Betta fish don't like being cold, but i don't know how to keep the water warm without having to buy a tank. We aren't planing to buy more fish so i wouldn't buy a tank anyways. Any ideas on how to keep it warm?

Answer 1

Most of these people who answer questions pertaining to bettas actually have no clue how to care for a betta. I would be willing to bet that most of them also pronounce the name bay-tah, instead of the correct pronounciation of
bet-tah.

It was not discovered in China, it was discovered in Siam. Thus the name Siamese fighting fish. The country is now called Thailand, but the betta (betta splendens) is still called the Siamese fighting fish.

Southeast Asia is a warm tropical area and the betta is a tropical fish. They need warm water, around 78-80 degrees. Most of these people think temp is not an issue, I can understand why they have had many bettas, they all die from compromised immune system problems brought on by water that is too cold for them.

Room temperature water constantly stresses them (unless your keep your home at a toasty 78-80 degrees), eventually affecting their immune system and making them vulnerable to opportunistic diseases, funguses and parasites.

You can buy a small submersible heater that will keep 4 gallons of water warm enough for your betta. It is the least you can do for him if you are not willing to provide a tank with a filter. Just be sure to do regular (weekly) partial (25-30%) water changes to keep him healthy and happy in his 4 gallon bowl. Never change 100% of the water.

Answer 2

Make sure you have a rock or something for the beta to hide under cause they love that and also you can check the temperature. If you really feel that the water is too cold you can get a standard desk lamp and put it overtop the tank and leave it on for about 10-15 and that will very slowly raise the temp of the water. Dont cook the fish cause those lightbulbs can emit alot of heat but just long enough to raise the temp about a degree or two. the ideal water temp is between 74 and 78 degrees F

Answer 3

Beta fish are usually pretty hardy. But like all animals cold will cause a problem. If the fish is kept inside (to where hopefully you have heat in your home) the water in the bowl should stay around room temp. Dont leave it by the window, sun might warm it during day and cold coming through could lower it at night = stress = #1 reason fish die is stress. fish stores will take used fish, they might give u 10 cents for it, but atleast it will be taken care of, good luck.

Answer 4

Everyone sounds right. First of all, Betta fish usually live in puddles in China, so I wouldn't worry too much. Room temperature should be fine, and since they like confined spaces, there really is no need to get a tank or a heater, the voltage on the heaters are way too high for a bowl. The fish is worth about a $1.75, and they don't last long, they have very short life spans, no need wasting your money on heaters and pads and stuff........ ♣

Answer 5

First of all, Bettas were discovered in China and were living in puddles. So, by nature, they'd rather be in smaller tanks. Get that fish out of the 4 gallon tank, unless u have lots of hiding places and its not just a big, open, tank. It's hard to kill a betta, so i wouldn't worry much about the temperature. Just keep him away from drafty areas and windows and he should be just fine =)

Answer 6

I second 8 in the Corner's answer. Other than Sabersquirrel and 8 in the Corner, the rest of you answerers are ignorant when it comes to proper betta care.

Here's a good link to proper betta care (the rest of you should read this, too):
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1918&articleid=2340

Answer 7

Keep it in a warm room. Betta fish really dont need a ton of room like a whole tank because they will just be Territorial in one corner. They like small spaces.

Answer 8

There are a number of ways.

1)There are small 25 watt heaters, and even heaters for bowls.
2)There are small reptile heating pads.
3)Is there a warmer room to keep him in?

PS- Try calling one of the better LFS in the South Bay, and ask what they have in stock for this kind of thing.

Answer 9

Bettas can handle temperatures of 75-86°F, as long as the temperature doesn't fluctuate to rapidly every day. There are tiny heaters you can buy http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12087&cm_mmc=LiveAquaria_DFS_Links-_-Fish_Supplies-_-LiveAquaria_Gen_Page-_-Heaters&ref=3969&subref=AA&N=2004+113767 , but generally speaking, since heat rises you can put him upstairs or an a top shelf.
A

Answer 10

Beta's are one of the easiest fish to keep alive that's why they are awesome fish for children or as a first fish for someone. As long as it's in your house and away from any drafts from a window or door it will be fine