Temperature Problems?

[Timur]

So when I got εo, I bought a little thermometer thing to stick onto the side of his tank. It's been reading consistently between 78-82 degrees, although hovering in the 80-82 degrees part. Some websites say that this is okay, but some figures say that 80 is the highest temperature bettas should be kept in. My home temperature should theoretically stick around 78 degrees, but due to bad air conditioning/heating, it fluctuates between 78 and 80.

So far I've been keeping his light off hoping it helps keep the water cool (he's in a 2.5 gallon tank), but I'm not sure if this is necessary?

How hot is too hot?

 

[wuvmybetta]

Ya know, it's an interesting subject. They say the ideal temperature for them is in the 82 degree range, but I just can't agree that a constant steady temperature of 82 can be comfortable. I believe a nightime drop in temp is perfectly healthy and natural.

With that said, a guy in my betta club lost his entire fishroom during the summer because his air conditioner went out. The temps reached into the 90's and the fish could not handle it. There have been other times (I won't say when but Synnir can probably fill you in privately) that an entire room of fish reached down in to the low 50's and we didn't lose one. So...?

Such slight fluctuation is fine. I believe that if you are comfortable, your fish is comfortable.

 

[Timur]

Yay! This is good, as I typically sleep with my fan on and window open (bringing the temperature in his tank down to 78ish). So it seems fluctuations are, at the very least, not harmful to the little guys?

Thanks for your help, wuvmybetta!

 

[Synirr]

I agree with Wuv, that temp range is fine. I wouldn't be too worried about leaving the light on, I leave all my tanks lights on all day without a problem. I'll say that temps of above 90 degrees aren't always fatal either... I raised 3/4ths of my last spawn in the storage room of our garage during the summer. It was so hot I had to wait until nighttime to do water changes, and even then I'd sweat down, but the fish were all fine. Their water temp also changed about 5 degrees every time I did a water change because I'd refill the tubs straight from the waterhose. I wouldn't recommend that, but hey, do what works!

 

[wuvmybetta]

The harder you are on them, the tougher they turn out to be Although mine can barely stand it inside when it hits 84 degrees, what lightweights!

 

[sukie]

Woohoo! I am constantly being reassured that my info is correct! Thanks girls!!