My etta needs a heater and a bigger tank but

[SummerOj]

*My Betta...my bad heh...OKay, I wasn't sure where to put this thread but I guess i doesn't really matter....
Anyways, I saved a Betta yesterday and all I had to put him in was a 1 gallon kritter keeper, and I made sure his water temp was okay.
But this morning, I noticed that the water temp is NOT okay, as it is at 73 degrees. This is my first betta and I want him to be happy! But my mother won't let me buy a heater or a bit of aquariumn salt to help heal his fins, she says that they are fine and always look raggity, but I know this not to be true! My little dude needs a heater and a bigger tank, how do I convince my mom to let me buy one?

[dramaqueen]

Bettas are tropical fish and need to be kept at 76-82 degrees.

[1fish2fish]

Do you have epsom salt in the house? You can use a little of that (1/2tsp or less) in place of aquarium salt... its not the same thing but it will do in a pinch.

As far as the heater I would continue to try to ask your mom to get a heater. A hydor mini like this ranges from $8 on Amazon.com to $12 at petsmart and petco. It will work in a 1 gallon but you have to watch it.

At 73* your fish will be ok... its true that they do the best at 76-82* but don't let 3* put you in a fight with your mom. Try saving for a week or two to get the heater. Same goes for a bigger tank.. start saving and watching for deals on ebay, CL, etc as well as sales at petsmart, petco, and wally world.

[SummerOj]

OKay, I got the heater and a 3 gal for my betta. hehe....I bought them myself, after showing my mom in a betta book that they do need heaters. Thanks for the advice guys.
oooh at the mall there were some pretty bettas, but I'll stick with my one little guy for now.

[Romad]

Originally Posted by SummerOj

OKay, I got the heater and a 3 gal for my betta. hehe....I bought them myself, after showing my mom in a betta book that they do need heaters. Thanks for the advice guys.
oooh at the mall there were some pretty bettas, but I'll stick with my one little guy for now.

That's great news. Have fun with your new little buddy and Happy New Year.

[Jupiter]

That's good! Your betta will love his new home. :)

[dramaqueen]

I'm glad your mom let you have a bigger tank and heater. Good luck with him.

[1fish2fish]

Wow good going! It took me a while before I had my mom convinced they need bigger heated tanks. Congrats and Happy New Year!

[SummerOj]

happy new years to you guys too!
I know where I'm going to buy future bettas now....the petstore at my mall, because they only have 6 bettas at a time and they are kept in HEATED 2 gallons. So happy about that!

[SummerOj]

PS. If you guys want to see more picture of him + name its on a different thread in the pictures section.