Has anyone ever tried this? My betta is in a one gallon bowl, I was thinking a hermit crab under the tank heater from petco- its 8 watts, I would buy a thermometer to regulate the temperature and keep an eye on it when I was home, If not how bout a heat lamp or any other ideas for keeping my poor betta warm?
2007-01-27 05:37:43 · 8 answers · asked by Shaebee27 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
well seeing as its iowa.. and winter.. i am concerned that our house usually isnt really warmer hten about 65 degrees during hte day and 58 degrees at night..
2007-01-27 06:16:00 · update #1
To answer your question directly, yes you can. Just because it is not the conventional way to heat the tank, does not mean it can't be done, though people tend to fear and frown upon the unknown right away. The only thing I recommend is that you test it first with an empty bowl (water, no fish), to make sure you can regulate the desired temperatures without issues (the last thing we want is to boil our fish!)
Betta's do OK in room temperature water, but they do best in warmed water. They survive for a time in a bowl, but thrive in an aquarium. It's a question of just how much you want to put into providing for the little guy
2007-01-27 06:56:14 · answer #1 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A heat lamp might be a better idea than the under-the-tank heater. I think the under-the-tank kind is intended for dry environments, not for use with water, and would create the risk of electric shock. Even with the heat lamp you'd want to take precautions to prevent it getting wet.
It's also important to keep the fish away from drafty windows and doors. If you do decide to use a lamp, be sure to monitor the temperature closely, so that the water doesn't get too hot too fast. I would aim for the 75 to 80 degree F range. They'll do okay a little lower and higher than this, but drastic fluctuations are stressful.
2007-01-27 05:57:36 · answer #2 · answered by Donna B 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Bettas are more resistant to low water temperature than most people give them credit for. They can survive at the temperatures you mention, but certainly won't thrive. The low temperature will stress the fish and diseases become more of a problem.
I would not recommend using a heating pad as it wll be hard to regulate and will cause wide temperature changes in such a small container. Try to get a larger container and a small heter, that would be best for your betta in the long run. If you can't, use the smallest heater you can find.... the 4 watt mentioned above would be a great choice. Order one online if you can't find them locally.
2007-01-27 07:29:50 · answer #3 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
use a regular lamp to warm the water. any heat product will heat the water too fast. try keeping him in a plastic storage box at night. the air around him will keep him warm. if you are in the 70s you are good. if you are that worried you can get 2 1/2 gallon heaters for under 10 dollars at walmart. the heaters are only like 4 watts. and 2 1/2 gallon tanks at most stores. i think its about 10 dollars at petsmart. i got a couple 2 1/2 gallons recently at petco -- they were 1/2 price tadpole kits -- you might ask them if they have them. they are 2 1/2 minibows -- they sell for like 25 at walmart in bright colors and 32. at petco for goldfish w black hoods. the key is to keep the water temperature more even and its a lot easier keeping 2 1/2 gallons even than 1 gallon.
2007-01-27 05:50:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would buy a bigger tank and get a real aquarium heater, that way you don't risk over heating the fish and you actually give him space. Unlike what most people think they don't live in tiny little puddles in nature, they live in big bodies of water called rice paddies. I'll add 2 links, the first will show what those rice paddies look like and the second is a site on how to care for a betta, just to make sure you are doing what you can to give your betta the life they deserve.
http://www.bettadreams.com/ricepaddies.html
http://www.firsttankguide.net/betta.php
2007-01-27 06:00:20 · answer #5 · answered by Nunya Biznis 6 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Your Betta is fine at room temperature. If you plan on heating it, you might as well toss it in the saute pan right now. Think back - when you bought it - was it in a heated tank? Nope. If the room is comfortable for you, the fish is happy too. Good Luck.
2007-01-27 05:49:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋
mini heater, for bowls under 5 gallons.
http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/index.php?page=shop/flypage&product_id=12163
2007-01-27 06:50:31 · answer #7 · answered by Kylie Anne 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
betta are fine a room temp.
2007-01-27 06:14:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋