76 degrees or 86 degrees?

[BettaMomma]

So, with Jasper's tank I have discovered that I have 2 options for temps in his tank. 76 degrees, or 86 degrees, because of the heater in the tank. I don't really have any other options.

He's been in the 86 degree water since I got him, basically, several weeks ago. I have noticed that when his temp is up around 86 degrees, he's kind of lethargic, and when his temp is down a little bit in the morning, around 82 - 83 degrees sometimes., he is a bit more active.

should I unplug the stupid heater and let him sit at 76 degrees like Charlie is, or leave it up around 86???

 

[FishyLoveBug]

If you can safely and slowly drop it, give it a try. It sounds like he is happier in the cooler one. I thought 86 was high for them? What I've read so far is that 79-80 is about right, so I guess the 76 would be the lesser of the 2 evils?

 

[Idolz]

86 is really high,
I think that he'd be better off at 76
Sounds like you need a new heater I have a heater that is either off or way up to 90+!! Because my cousin messed around w/ it one day and boiled my fish tank

 

[BettaMomma]

This is the second heater, with exactly the same results.
I will unplug him and let it go down on its own.
He's laying ont he bottom under his one lowly hidey leaf right now.
I think he'd be more comfy being a little cooler.

 

[SRC]

76 isn't a bad temp...I say leave it at 76.

 

[GrullaQuarters]

Ok, I got a quick question then...my little hex doesn't have anyone in it yet, with the light on, it stays a constant 76. With the light off, it goes down to about 70. Should I get a heater for it then? Otherwise, is it not very nice to leave the guy under a little hood like 24 hours a day?

Thanks

 

[RandomWiktor]

Leaving a betta "under a hood 24 hours a day" is a great idea because they jump out otherwise I would say, buy a heater, but only put it on at night.

86 is really quite high and I would probably ditch the heater. I don't let my bettas get above 80 as I was finding with temps above 80, the fish were getting fin rot all the time. I can only figure that the warm water is a fertile breeding ground for bacteria, or possibly the stress just allows illness to manifest itself more easily.

Is your heater one of those grey, non-adjustable ones for small tanks? I had all kinds of trouble with them. I had to get a more expensive heater in the end, but at least it was easily adjustable.

 

[GrullaQuarters]

Thanks for the tips

I accidentally left a word out....I meant leave him under a hood LIGHT 24 hours a day....HOOD LIGHT! LOL....

With kitties in the house, I could NEVER have a tank without a cover!

 

[rdd1952]

Only my 5 gallon betta tank is heated and it is only set at 78. The others stay at around 78 during the day anyway with the light on and drop down to around 74 at night. They don't seem to have any trouble with not being in a heated tank.

 

[BettaMomma]

I unplugged him and I'll leave him at the 76.
Charlie is at 76 and seems just fine.
It's a mini hydor heater which to this point have always been great for me - all my other tanks have them in them and they're awesome.

Oh well - guess the office is warm enough.

 

[Sorrell]

I have fish at both those temperatures. They seem to be more active at the lower then the higher, but that's all I have noticed. 80-82 is my personal favorite, but I'd go with the 76

 

[FishyLoveBug]

BettaMomma, you should try the small Neptue heaters from Petsmart. $13.00 here and Ive had no problems with mine.
Plus they come with 2 suction cups each but I only put one on my heater. the other I take a cup, put a small hole in the bottom and attatch the suction cup to it. It makes a super little "house" for the little guys and no worries about the filter moving it or it getting to close to the heater.

 

[BettaMomma]

I unplugged his heater last night and he's now about 78 degrees.
He's swimming all over the place and seems to be much more comfy this morning

I'll look into those neptune heaters but I think I'll just go without for now.
Thanks!

 

[Raechal]

I bought a heater for my betta's tank (Angus) and set it at about 80 F and he was VERY lathargic and just hung out in the corner. Then his fin rot got worse. So I took the heater out and just let it go down to about 75-76 and he was darting all over the place and having a ball!

BTW his tail is coming along well. No more tears or wholes. A little of that black stuff at the tips of his tailfin, but I am starting to think that is some of his coloration.

 

[BettaMomma]

Awesome!
I have been wondering how he's coming along