Help! My betta fish needs a heater.

[Heat]

I have a small fish tank and it is heated by a built-in lightbulb at the top. About 30 minutes ago, I turned it off because its nighttime. I checked on it like a minute ago it was still hot. But just in case, I wanted to make a heater, since its too late at night to go to the store and buy one. For now, I'm just using the heat that came off the lightbulb but I just want to be sure that my betta gets enough heat. (the lid is still really hot! ouch!!)

What are heaters made of, first off??? RAWRZ HELP!

[MollyJean]

A heater is made of a circuit board and a heating coil.. and lots of Electricity. And that doesn't mix with water. You're not going to be able to make a heater for your fish, and I wouldn't suggest trying. You might just end up hurting him.

Unless your room temp is like 60 degrees, he'll be fine for a few nights without a heater, just go buy one as soon as you have a chance. Keep him in the warmest room in the house and watch him closely. Do you have a thermometer in your fish tank? I would suggest getting one when you get your heater.

[Mister Sparkle]

Got a heat pad?

[MollyJean]

A heating pad would work.. but don't try it if you don't have a thermometer. The last thing you want is boiled fish.

[Mister Sparkle]

Quite true.

[sjones]

I just got my stealth 25 watt heater today, did a water change and set it at 82, it heated up the tank in a few hours (from 75) and works like a charm! I LOVE it, this is after buying 3 other heaters that didn't work-the tetra whisper, the hydor that looks just like the whisper, and the hydor 7.5. Out of all those the hydor 7.5 did raise the temp a bit. ANyways I ordered the stealth online and it was 26$ with shipping and I love it so far.

[dramaqueen]

I'm glad it's working for you. I love mine.

[sjones]

Thanks, I'm just worried it may work too well! I'm obsessively checking the temperature!
And of course I saw this really great all black betta today at the "pet store" but you know that would mean another heater, tank, etc etc... resist! resist!

[Mister Sparkle]

Yes! Definitely resist!

We're working on the kids' tanks right now. Each one is REQUIRED to have a filter, heater, substrate, and aquarium before they are even allowed to SUGGEST a fish for it! Try explaining THAT to a 4-year old!

[sjones]

Oh yeah! That's good to hear though!
I recently witnessed a horrifying exchange in the fish food aisle
Parents to little girl "Do you just want to get candy instead of getting a fish"
Little girl: "Yes"
Parents" Okay, that will be easier, we'll come back another day for fish"
I hope not.