do bettas need water heaters? as in are they tropical fish?
2006-12-02 11:25:03 · 13 answers · asked by ? 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Yep, bettas are from Thailand, all the way to the far East, and they come from warm, tropical waters of 78-80F. They definitely should have heaters, and will be healthier, more active and more colourful if they do.
As I've said, people stick bettas in tiny cold bowls and wonder why they don't live long and don't move around very much. It's like putting a person in a tiny, cold closet. Just because some ignorant people keep them in a tiny cup without a heater, and just because petstores do, it doesn't mean that bettas don't need them. Petstores are there to sell fish, and make money, and if they don't have to buy a heater and tank for each betta, they can sell them for less and diminish their own expenses. Doesn't make it right... You could raise on child on McDonalds - and many parents do! - but said child not be healthy and will not live as long.
The best place for a betta is in a 5gallon tank with gravel, heater, filter and plants, to simulate their natural habitat. 10 gallons is better, and has the added bonus of being able to accomodate a few more fish, like a school of 6 harlequin rasboras, or a few african dwarf frogs.
Kudos for asking all the right questions :) You must be a good fish parent!
2006-12-02 11:27:33 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have had two bettas. One Thanksgiving we left for a 4 day weekend trip out of state. My husband turned down the furnace to save on the gas bill. One betta froze to death. The other one was close to it but we saved it by frequent water changes, warming the water a little more each time. So I would say it depends on the temperature of the place where you keep it. If your house is pretty cool, I'd use a heater, since they are tropical fish. But if you keep your house quite warm, they do quite well in room temperature water. Mine were in a couple of those planter vases with a plant in the top. Those are not recommended by the way, because bettas must be able to surface to get air, unlike most fish, bettas do breathe from time to time. I now have a 30 gallon tank with four fish in it. No bettas right now, but I have a shark that has grown from 1 inch to about 6 inches, an angelfish that is about 4 inches, and a gourami that is about 3.5 inches long. We also have a plecostamus that is about 4 inches long. They are all doing great with a heater, filters and an aeration system. Good luck.
2006-12-02 11:39:38 · answer #2 · answered by dbarnes3 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Bettas are native to Thailand where the climate is hot and moist. The ideal water temperature for the Betta is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The primary reason Bettas in small bowls are often listless is because the water temperature is too low. (Thank you Zoe for editing your post to ALSO add that little tidbit ALSO AFTER I posted it). Although they can survive at lower temperatures, they become lethargic and may even refuse to eat.
The ideal betta habitat is at least a 5 gallon (10 or more is better) aquarium with a filter, aquatic plants, and a heater.
2006-12-02 11:27:45 · answer #3 · answered by Lexi P 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yes you do they are tropical fish and require a tropical temp. if you have it in tank add a heater but if it is in a bow or small aquarium try placing it under or ontop a light source like a aquarium light or under a small lamp.
and if it is in a tank try adding a piece of glass dividing the tank in half and add another betta it will make them more active and make their fins grow faster because when they get active they open their fins and when it opens up it grows more.
2006-12-02 13:33:19 · answer #4 · answered by azn.balla 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 bettas and they don't need heaters they use hot but not to hot water when i clean it, but i think some people use heaters and some don't and the fish are just the same. But you don't want the tank to big even 1 gallon is enough like at the at store it's 8 ounces but that's not enough but around 1-5 gallons because they lived in puddles.
2006-12-02 11:30:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
my betta's do not have a heater and swim around all the time. I do have a thermometer tho and check the water temp. I have my 20 gallon tank in the warmest place in the house- and keep a constant temp. the thermo does not flucuate much. i do have a heater for emergencies. very bad to let the water get too cool.
2006-12-02 12:12:27 · answer #6 · answered by La-z Ike 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes they do need a heater. Keep the tank between 76 and 82 degrees.
2006-12-02 11:29:53 · answer #7 · answered by bluebettalady 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yes, bettas need a heater and a filter.
2006-12-03 03:30:58 · answer #8 · answered by GuZZiZZit 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No they do not. Bettas (pronounced Beh tah) are sold in stores inside little plastic containers without heaters. Bettas are quite comfortable in smaller fish bowls that do not require heaters, lights or air filtration either.
Bettas do best in room temperature water.
2006-12-02 11:29:32 · answer #9 · answered by Lotsa Lops 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
they are tropical fish
2006-12-02 15:27:05 · answer #10 · answered by hill bill y 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋