Lightsource

[Draven]

My little guys bowl seems to be getting a bit colder and I can't fit a heater in it. Is it safe to use a (max)50watt desk lamp over his bowl to try and keep it warmer? Obviously it won't do a ton, but just a little bit is all that's needed.

 

[jacblades]

i have a string of giant Christmas lights (still in the plastic seperators) behind a 10 gal that i have (has a goldfish in it) and it warms the water a little too well... (the same level of heat would probably be better for a betta instead of a goldfish)
i cant ay about your lamp though. i would just go with a reptile heat mat under the bowl. nice and toasty )

 

[The-Wolf]

i would just go with a reptile heat mat under the bowl. nice and toasty )

What a fab idea!

 

[jacblades]

im using one under one of my tanks now to heal a sick guy so hes extra toasty

 

[Draven]

So far the lamp is working really well. This morning his water was only 72 degrees! It's now climbed up to 78 and holding. If I need to keep him a bit cooler, I can move the light a little higher and back it off. The lamp is on a goose neck and allows me a lot of control.

This whole setup is temp, as I hope to get his new 3 gallon home setup this weekend.

 

[jacblades]

well what are you going to do at night? are you going to leave the lamp on constantly?

 

[Draven]

Dunno yet. Yesterday his water was just fine. I can't really do a heating pad because his bowl is not sitting flat on the ground. It has a small base (looks like a large wine glass), so I don't know how well a pad would really work.

 

[jacblades]

i would really suggest a tank then instead of a bowl.
anyways the bowl needs to be covered so he wont jump out. bettas LOVE to jump.

 

[Draven]

Yeah I know. Like I said I'm getting a tank tomorrow I hope. I never intended this to be his home. I do have a cover for his bowl though. He's doing well in it, but I know he'll need a new place to live.