Best heater for 3 gallon?

[LynnO]

Hello,

I live in S. Florida, so my 3 gallon stays at a pretty consistent 75-76 degrees. However, I realize that this may not be ideal, and I will definitely have to get something for the cooler months (there aren't many).

My tank is a Marineland Crescent 3. What heater would you recommend? I would prefer something that I can set the temp on, and not something pre-set.

Thanks for your advice!

[JBosley]

I have this:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752191

In the exact same tank! It works great Just when I turn it to 79F, it heats it to about 83F because the tank is so small. I just adjusted it and watched the thermometer until I got it to be around 80F It keeps it nice and consistent!

[LynnO]

Originally Posted by JBosley

I have this:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752191

In the exact same tank! It works great Just when I turn it to 79F, it heats it to about 83F because the tank is so small. I just adjusted it and watched the thermometer until I got it to be around 80F It keeps it nice and consistent!

Thank you! I love this tank! Do you like yours? I do struggle with the decor and landscape though. This is the first very small tank I have ever had. In the past I've had a 60 gallon reef or a 55 gallon freshwater. This is a big difference - LOL! But I couldn't live without a fish, so I entered the wonderful world of Bettas - which I had zero knowledge of. But thanks to the wonderful people on this site, I have gathered a wealth of information.

I've also heard good things about the Hydro's? Anyone else have experience with those on 3 gallons tanks?

[LebronTheBetta]

Top Fin heaters are known to unleash this chemical. *shudder* :0

Don't you mean Hydor? Then yes, it's one of the best heaters for small tanks out there. It's called "Hydor THEO". It's adjustable, and gets it to the perfect temperature. :) Me and Lebron are satisfied customers. ^^"

[LynnO]

Yes - I meant Hydor. :) So Top Fin heaters are known to release a chemical? That is not good!

[MSG]

What LTB said.. Hydor THEO & my personal recommendation of the Visi-Therm Submersible heaters.

[glitchsniffer]

I have a Hydor Theo in a 2.5g Minibow and it works great. Just as a poster above stated with the Top Fin brand, make sure you set it lower at first because since it is a small tank it will heat it higher than the dial on the heater says.

[JBosley]

I've done a planted tank with my Marineland Crescent 3, and it's great! As for a hidey cave I use a small terra cotta pot from the dollar store, and love it

Seriously?! I've had the heater for 6 months now, and the water seems fine + Betta + the water parameters are great! Maybe I will look into a new heater....ick.

[glitchsniffer]

If the heater works, use it. I don't think any of us are telling you that its a horrible idea to use it, just that we know that a Hydor works great too. Opinions differ greatly on a forum and not ever answer is the perfect solution for you. When I was in the market for the small heater if a Top Fin one was what was availiable then I probably would have bought it without a second thought. Chances are that if it hasnt killed any fish by now it never will, barring the fact that it doesn't break due to some unknown circumstance.