78* or 80*?

[finnfinnfriend]

Hey everyone. I just got a new heater and I have been adjustinv the temperature and I cant decide whether to leave it at 78 or 80 degrees...which one will make him live the longest? Which is more ideal? Thanks!

[Kytkattin]

I keep mine at 80-82, but it really is just personal pref. Supposedly 78 will give a longer life, but then again, that could depend on so many other things as well. What if being warmer prevented ich or some other parasite?

Now that I think about it, not sure if higher temp is better for beneficial bacteria growth, but that is something to consider for water quality. Maybe someone who has more experience with that sort of technical stuff could weigh in. Of course clean water and just being warm at all are going to give you good results.

[finnfinnfriend]

Thank you for your input :). Anyone else?

[vilmarisv]

Are you talking about the dial on the heater or the actual temp after measuring with a thermometer?
Be careful about trusting your heater dial. Always use a thermometer.
Don't stress over this. It does not make a big difference. Many few people will maintain a stable temperature over their entire fish's lifespan as there are many factors that will have your temp fluctuating. The important this is to keep those fluctuations from being too drastic.

[shellieca]

My heaters are set to keep the water at 78 & when the tank lights have been on for several hours the temp goes up to 80.

[finnfinnfriend]

Im going by what the thermometer reads and adjusting accordingly...im just not sure if 78 or 80 degrees is better...

[Perseusmom]

I think either is fine the most important thing is that the temp stays around the same without any ups and downs. I have mine set at 79 and with the light one it keeps the temp just over 80. Seems to be working fine for Perseus he is active .

[finnfinnfriend]

Well as of now my temp is 78 so is that warm enough?

[LebronTheBetta]

78F is good for him to have a longer lifespan. A higher temperature leads to faster metabolism, which means he eats and grows quicker. Even if it's only 2F below, it doesn't harm him and each degree counts. (;

[JackisLost]

my auto heater only keeps my tank heated to 74. during summer my tank got to 86 by itself. my betta seems happy and i'm guessing he doesn't mind temperature change during seasons.