Betta QT tank to cold!

[LebronTheBetta]

There's 1ppm of ammonia in his water, Myates. That's why he wants to use bottled water, no ammonia.

[Wendyjo]

Bacteria also thrives in warm moist conditions - that's the reason we tell people who are doing fishless cycles to jack the temp up. It's also why hot tubs and jacuzzis need so much chlorine in them - without it they become a big old tub of bacteria soup from the heat.

Bottled SPRING WATER is fine to use in a fish tank - it has all the minerals the fish needs. DISTILLED water and R/O water do not have all the minerals needed. But spring water (some of which have been discovered to actually be nicely labeled bottled tap water) is fine - costly, but fine.

[Leopardfire]

I stupidly took the heater out last night and the temp was at 70 in the morning. Poor Comet! I put it back on so now it's up to 78 and I will leave the heater in. I know it's really bad for him getting such big temp changes.
I'm using purified water with minerals added. Is this ok to use for about a week and a half while he heals up?

[Perry the platypus]

I found a 1/2 gallon heater at Petsmart. It's for bettas.

[Leopardfire]

I just did 100% water change and the water was at 72! My poor betta has gone from 70 to 80 to 72 in 12 hours. He must be so stressed. Do you think he will be ok?

[Tikibirds]

an 8 watt heater should be ok in a gallon of water since it's supposed to take 5 watts to heat up 1 gallon of water. If its a preset heater - normally they are set to 78 but in my experience they only heat the water up maybe 5 or so degreese more then the air temp.

I would either keep the heater in or keep it out-going from cold-hot-cold can lead the way for bigger health issues.

You can use prime or amquel plus to reduce the ammonia in the tap - they will change it to some other chemical that is harmless - ammonium I think? it will still register as ammonia on a test because of the way the ammonia test is designed but it wont be harmful to the fish.

[Leopardfire]

I use prime normally, but I decided to use bottled water so that it will be extra clean. I'm going to try to keep the heater on since the tank is actually 1.5 gallons so 8 watts sounds about right.