What is a Good "Micro" Heater?

Question

As said in previous questions I am purchasing a male crown tailed beta. I recently learned due to yahoo answers that Betas need a heater. I will be keeping the Beta in a 3.5 gallon rectangular all glass tank with a small live plant, a filter and possibly an African Dwarf Frog. The heater I am looking at is a 7.5 watt heater. It says for up to 2 gallons but I would rather get a heater that may keep the water a little cooler than acidently fry my fish.
Is 7.5 watts a good amount of watts for a 3.5 gallon tank or what is a good micro heater for my tank?
Thanks in Advance

Answer 1

A 7.5 watt is recommenced for a 2.5 gallon tank but since your tank isn't much bigger you could use one or get a 25 watt which is usually used for a 5 gallon but would be o.k too.

Answer 2

I would suggest getting one that's the correct size for the tank (around 5 watts per gallon, unless going more than 10 degrees higher than the normal room temperature). If you undersize the heater, it will need to work almost constantly, and may not be able to bring the water temperature high enough to suit the betta, especially if you have to go more than 10 degrees above room temperature (I generally keep mine around 78o, but go into the 80s for breeding). I have 2.5 and 5 gallon tanks that I keep my bettas in, and this is the heater I've been using for them: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/215227/product.web I like these because the temperature is adjustable, so I can set it to the temperature I want, not what the manufacturer thinks it should be - these might be okay for an "average" tank, but doesn't allow for fish that need higher or lower temps, or a change in temp for spawning.

Answer 3

Well, you should get one that is for ten gallon and use it and st it on 78. The higher the voltage the faster it will heat up. But, If you have a heater that has a temperature gauge, then you dont need to worry about frying your fish!