Keeping small tanks warm at night

[Where the river goes]

For those of us with tanks that are too small to put a heater in and are concerned with keeping the tanks warm during cold winter nights, try making yourself a cover. I'm currently experitmenting with this idea and am thinking of making a three layer cover. The outer layer will be flannel, the middle layer thermal material and the bottom layer will be what's left of an old t-shirt. More than likely it will velcro together.

Why three layers? Well, I was going to use flannel alone, but I don't want it shedding into my tank (I have a small opening on the light hood). I was going to use thermal material alone, but I think it may not get the job done. So I figured I'll combine both and add cotton t-shirt lining for a smoother fit

On second thought I may just make it out of an old quilt type material I found, it's really warm and doesn't shed lol.

 

[tonkatruck]

I didn't make one.. but i have a 2 gallon that i just double a throw (blanket) and put it over top of the tank.. Seems to keep the heat in...

 

[ste2k3]

try a heat mat for reptiles hooked up to a thermostat.

 

[Eelzor]

Thats a pretty good idea for a bowl, but ive heard they have already made small heaters for bowls.

 

[cassandra]

Thats a pretty good idea for a bowl, but ive heard they have already made small heaters for bowls.

is that your fish you have posted it is so pretty what kind of fish is it and i bet it's salt water right wow beautiful

 

[Ron]

I don't know how thsi would work for bowls, but tanks it would. there are small heaters that you can buy at Wal Mart. They heat 2 gallons, and are only $6. I have a couple for my bettas. The work well.
Ron

 

[lauraswan26]

yes! those little heaters work really well, and they really are cheap. You can find them at walmart. Might be a little more precise on temp and cut down on the back and forth, which could stress the fish out... They're under 7 bucks, and heat from a 2-5 gallon small tank. And they go up in increments, the next size up is for a little bigger tank, and so on...

 

[friendtothefish]

i am about to start a small tank so this is all good information. what is the best way to keep the tank the same temp with out an automatic heater?

 

[Where the river goes]

what is the best way to keep the tank the same temp with out an automatic heater?

I'm in the same boat as you are there w/my two minibows. I have those junior heaters you can find at wal-mart in there and they work well, but they're not automatic so you need to keep a close eye on them. I never leave it plugged in when I go out. I try to keep my room warm and have family check up on the tank temp every when I'm gone for long periods of time. Also, if you have a light on the tank hood you can keep that on to help keep it warm. Beware of incadescent lights though 'cause they make too much heat, a flourescent light would be better. It can be difficult to find flourescent lights for small tanks, but they do have some 10 watt ones at wal-mart.

I abandoned the idea of making a tank cover 'cause I gave up on my 1 gallon tank and upgraded to a couple of minibows (see signature)

 

[MizPlaya692003]

YOU NO WHAT ALSO MIGHT WORK. MORE FOR FISHTANKS THAT ARE OUTSIDE ON A PORCH. I RED HEAT LAMP. LIKE WHAT THEY USE FOR BABY BIRDS AND REPTILES. BUT KEEP IT FATHER AWAY WITH YOUR THIN BLANKET AROUND YOUR TANK. INCASE IT GETS REALLY COLD.