Fish bowl water temperature for betta?

Question

Well since it's winter here in PA, the temperature is very cold outside and it's in the high sixties here in my house. When i change the water of my 1/2 gallon fish bowl i make it hot (about the right temp. a betta needs) but it always gets really cold soon after. I know bettas need warm water. Are there heaters to buy for small bowls like mine? If so, where can I find one?

Answer 1

usually bettas thrive in tempetures 76-85 degrees...my betta tank dosen't have a heater. the lowest a small heater can get is 2 gallons... i used to add hot water to try to make the water temp above 78 degrees but at night it gets 15 degrees.(AZ) i know you think arizona is hot but in the winter it gets below 20 degrees but in this case today(12/25/07) its 15 degrees. anyway dont waste water like i did try getting a 2 gallon tank and try to look for a 2 gallon heater because if it gets below 74 degrees you betta is more lead to lethargy and make betta more prone to illness but this is unlikely to happen bit it might...try reserching up on betttas... Good Luck!

Answer 2

If you happen to live in the southeastern corner, there's a great place I've visited a few times just outside Lancaster, PA (That Pet Place) - if it's been made for an aquarium, there's a good chance they have it. They also have an online catalog that I'' use for links for you.

Here are what's available for a small tank:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/3382/product.web
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10464/product.web

The trouble I've found with small tanks/bowls is that the water temperature changes rather quickly (as you know!), but even with a heater, it can warm and cool quite rapidly. Your betta would have more stable conditions in a slightly larger setup. I keep mine in 2.5 gallon minibows, and now have a few in 5 gallon Eclipse hexagonal tanks (both come with light and filter). Not only does the water temperature change less quickly, it lets me use a thermometer where I can set the temperature I want. Ideally, you want the wattage to be 5 watts per gallon, unless you're heating more than 10 degrees above the room temperature (and it sounds like you would be). Then you want to go with the next higher wattage available. This is what I use in my tanks: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/215227/product.web

Any fish store should be able to order any of these for you. If you have a particular one you like, make a note of the manufacturer and model, and ask a local fish store to special-order one for you. This also saves you the shipping.

Answer 3

they like it between 70-80f.Eggs hatch at 80f.Yes there are small heaters/or you can submerge a heater into a vessel of water big enough to hold it&place this into bowl(heat will warm water&transference will heat the water in bowl.Or if it's very small,place near a lamp in evening/night&keep on(this can also be sufficient to warm betta)
Check at aquarium they do now make small heaters for betta compartments.
ps;with many small bowls it may is easier to heat the whole room(heater,winter)this is what i do,i have a fish room.Might this be an option?Heat can be transfered to them,also if portable,popping him/bowl in sunny spot is good.