Betta Fish Heater's? HELP :)

[celestehrustyk]

Hello, I have a Male Betta Fish named Tiger and I have had him for 4 year's now! I have never used a heater in his tank and now it's just too cold for him and he's not very active like he was before so I went out and bought him a 15watt Topfin mini aquarium heater. I cannot adjust the temperature on it! I was wondering what I should do and what temperature I should disconnect the heater at and what temperature I shoud reconnect it if it get's to cold? Please help me because i'm scared to fall asleep with this non-adjustable heater and I just want my Betta to be happy again!

[sunstar93]

Do you have a thermometer? If not, I strongly recommend getting one. That way you can tell if the temperature is off (the best ones, IMO, are the "old fashioned" ones that have mercury in them, you can find them at Walmart or a LFS for less than $3.) Most non-adjustable heaters are pre-set to about 78 degrees F, so they usually always stay that temperature no matter what. I used to use one like that and the only time I would unplug it was during a water change. I would leave it unplugged until the water I had added cooled down to about 75 degrees (the water was usually around 80 degrees and i was always paranoid if I plugged in the heater it would be too hot). But you shouldn't have to ever unplug it other than that. Check your heater/thermometer every day to make sure everything is the right temperature. Sometimes they can freak and the temp can skyrocket (but i have never had one that did that). Good luck!!

[Also, today I went out and got a Top Fin adjustable heater...should have gotten one of those to begin with!]

[celestehrustyk]

I bought a thermometer as well with the heater, It's at 75.6f right now and it has just stayed that way for the past half hour... It's a ZooMed Digital Betta Thermometer. It's small and it suction cup's to the inside of the tank. I was just wondering if I should Unplug and replug if it get's too hot or cold! Petsmart did not tell me that it is normally pre-set to 78f but that is great to know! I will keep watching out for it and hopefully it doesnt get over 80f. I normally clean his tank every month sometimes a month and a half because the sucker fish help's clean my tank plus my water seem's to alway's be so clean! I have 4 different food's for him and many different supplies! Hopefully he get's back to his active self soon! Thank You very much on letting me know that they are usually pre-set and i'm glad you were a quick reply!

[DiiQue]

be careful as I've read several other members having problems where those non-adjustable heaters tend to overheat... if you can return that and get an adjustable one, I would go that route instead of hoping the unit you have now doesn't malfunction...

[sunstar93]

Hm 75.6 is a little on the low side but it may just take a little bit for it to heat the whole tank. Some heaters are really nice and will shut off once it reaches a certain temperature and turn on if it starts to drop. (I've never used a digital thermometer but if it gets the job done!) Usually a good range is between 77 - 80 degrees, but if your heater will not heat any more I don't think that 76 degrees will hurt your fish any. You shouldn't have to unplug it unless it jumps to like, 82 or drops really low like 72. Then you might have a problem lol. [I had a baby albino pleco for about 3 weeks and he generated so much poop! It hides in the gravel and doesn't show unless you move it around...I didn't know that until later lol (unfortunately the little guy has passed on).] It sounds like you are taking really good care of him!! I'm sure he will be back to himself in no time(:

[celestehrustyk]

As soon as my money situation is better I will be looking for a bigger tank plus a better Heater. Right now I just bought what I could for the poor fella. I ahve my receipt so I can return it at any time!

[SinX7]

I also recommend getting a adjustable heater. Safer and better. Also get a thermometer! Might be a lot now, but it will be a lot better in the long run.

[sunstar93]

If you decide to get an adjustible one after all, I recommend Top Fin; I have one right now and it is working wonderfully. Fully submersible to the cord and a simple dial to change the temp. But for now I think he will be fine!

[celestehrustyk]

Sunstar93 - I am very much trying my best to take care of him! I did have to remove my new plants I recently bought him, I noticed a tear in his bottom fin and he loves to snuggle in between my underwater plants. I will be looking for new decorations as well as looking for some better heater's too. My sucker fish is getting so big for the tank that I might have to upgrade to a bigger size very soon!

SinX7 & DiiQue - I do have a Thermometer it's just rising slowly! I will take both of your guy's reccomendation on the adjustable heater too!

[sunstar93]

It sounds like you are taking wonderful care of him!! (I hope my last reply did not come off as sounding rude or anything.) I have at least 2 heaters and an extra filter in the closet of my dorm room from all the upgrading I have had to do so I completely understand. Petco has some pretty nice silk plants if you do not want to go the natural plant route (I cannot keep a plant alive to save my life lol). Wish you luck in your betta endeavors(: