Cold tank.

[bryanacute]

So in your tank you don't have a heater. But on the outside, you have a thermometer that reads 74 degrees Fahrenheit. No one likes to see this.
If its a little tank, all you do is just a water change using warm water.
But, what do you do with a big tank?
Ok. So scoop up 25% or more of the water.
Then just put in WARM water.
It's best to get a heater, because bettas don't like cold water under 80 degrees.
BUT, there are mini heaters for about $8.00 out there!

[Myates]

Changing the water in the smaller tank is only a temporary solution- a mere few hours before the temp is back down to being cold.. And you do not want to continually change the water throughout the day as you are stressing the fish and causing too much fluctuation in the temp.
(I don't trust external thermometers, but prefer the glass ones you place in the actual water).
Larger tanks tend to hold heat better.. but again, all that work to put in partial warm water will be for naught as in a short while the temp will even back out to what it was. And you still don't want to be doing multiple changes a day.

Mini heaters are good for 1 gallon tanks.. what is more reasonable is to just buy a 25 watt adjustable heater (Elite makes a great one.. even the "mini" 25w heater of theirs is adjustable) that can actually heat a tank anywhere from 1 gallon to 5.5 gallons.. 50w for larger tanks. I use the 25w on my 1.75g conditioning tanks as well as the tubs that I have for juvie bettas. With a little shopping you can find them for cheaper than what I posted.. that is just where I go to get mine when needed.

Bettas are fine in temps that are cooler than what is preferred.. they will live in cooler temps (above 68*), but for an all around healthier, active fish you are wanting temps above 76*F. Normal preset heaters tend to run 76-78*F, I have 1 in a 6.6 gallon where the room temp stays in the 67-71*F range and it keeps it steady at 78*F, but it's a 50 watt. I would say if under 5 gallons 25watts are enough, anything 5-10 gallons you will want at least a 50 watt.

[bryanacute]

Okay… just completely took over my thread… but ok!

[LebronTheBetta]

What were you trying to do, Bryana? 0.o

[bryanacute]

Say that cold water is bad… warm is good…

[LebronTheBetta]

Um.. I think the stickies would cover that up, and most people would learn that sooner or later.

[aokashi]

but we appreciate your enthusiasm :)

[Freyja]

Originally Posted by LebronTheBetta

What were you trying to do, Bryana? 0.o

Create strife and unnecessary arguments?

[aokashi]

Originally Posted by Freyja

Create strife and unnecessary arguments?

Lol, I don't think that was her purpose in creating the thread. she just came in and is learning new things all the time. She probably just wants to share her new found knowledge with everyone else :)

anyway, myates summed the situation up pretty well whilst being informative and non defensive ^___^

[bryanacute]

I've actually had bettas for about 2 years know… but I know what u mean!