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I've never used a heater before, and just recently heard that bettas need warmer temps for water. Here's my tank, should i get a heater?? What size?? And lastly what IS the ideal water temp for bettas????
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Heaters???
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For a 2.5 gallon, I would suggest a 25 watt adjustable heater. 
It's worth spending out to get a really good quality one - it will save money in the long term as it will last longer and heat the water more efficiently.
The safe range is 76-85. Ideally, try to keep it between 78 and 82. I aim for 80 with my betta tanks.
Make sure you get a glass thermometer to go on the inside of the tank to make sure that the heater is doing what it says it is.
It's worth spending out to get a really good quality one - it will save money in the long term as it will last longer and heat the water more efficiently.The safe range is 76-85. Ideally, try to keep it between 78 and 82.
I aim for 80 with my betta tanks.Make sure you get a glass thermometer to go on the inside of the tank to make sure that the heater is doing what it says it is.
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Definitely recommend a 25 watt. I have a Cascade 25 watt and have no complaints. Be warned that any adjustable heater will NOT have a reliable temperature scale on it, so you will need to regulate the temperature until you get a feel for the way the heater works. For example, my tank is at 82, but the heater is set at 86.
I keep my tank at around 82, but that's usually considered to be on the higher side. Rosie just seemed grumpy until I notched it up.
I keep my tank at around 82, but that's usually considered to be on the higher side. Rosie just seemed grumpy until I notched it up.
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I have a similar question. I have a 10gal tank I'm thinking of putting a betta into. Could I use a normal heating pad thats made for people to put under the tank?
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It's not good to use heating pads - they are harder to control and not intended for use on tanks. For a 10 gallon, a 50w heater is the way to go.
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Okay I just wanted to make sure before doing it and having something bad happen. It's been a long time since I've had a betta and back then I didn't care for them like I should of. I was ignorant and just had em in tiny glass vases. :/
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Well, we're glad you're here to learn more! Don't be afraid to ask questions!
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^_^ If you say so, then I do have a few more questions, hehe. For a 10gal, would a filter be better or could I just do a bubbler? And which would be better, sand or gravel?
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Filters are generally recommended for any tank, although I'm not sure what you mean by a "bubbler".
Sand or gravel depends mostly on personal preference, I think. There are advantages and disadvantages to each.
Sand or gravel depends mostly on personal preference, I think. There are advantages and disadvantages to each.
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Bubbler, like something that just produces bubbles, no filter or anything. ^^;
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Bubbler is not really needed for Bettas since they breathe with their labyrinth organ. Yes I would recommend a filter, also I would recommend cycling that 10g.
Also a good heater brand is the Elite brand, for a 2.5g a 25w would do and for a 10g I use a 100w one I believe.
Also a good heater brand is the Elite brand, for a 2.5g a 25w would do and for a 10g I use a 100w one I believe.
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If you fancy something that is both a bubbler and a fantastic filter for bettas, consider a sponge filter.
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Ahhh, ok. Well I'd say you'd need a regular filter. The only thing a bubbler would do is kinda mix the water up.
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I feel like a noob, lol. Would something like this, http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_spongefilter.php , be a good filter? I don't have much money so I like doing diy stuff.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_spongefilter.php
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_spongefilter.php
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In all honesty, I think a diy sponge filter would cost much more than one bought online, which is like $8
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Go Gravel!!
Gravel would be the best option in my opinion, just because i read on one of my filters that sand can get in the filter and cause problems. PLUS! Sand is a real pain to clean, it gets everywhere!!!
Gravel would be the best option in my opinion, just because i read on one of my filters that sand can get in the filter and cause problems. PLUS! Sand is a real pain to clean, it gets everywhere!!!
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Another question
How do I regulate the temp. of the heater?? Is there just a dial on it or something?? (i'm going to petco in a few days, but would like to know ahead of time)
How do I regulate the temp. of the heater?? Is there just a dial on it or something?? (i'm going to petco in a few days, but would like to know ahead of time)
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Adjustable heaters will have a dial, yes. Preset obviously won't, but I wouldn't buy a preset.
I actually quite like my sand. I don't prefer it to gravel, though - I like both equally depending on the look I want.
Preset obviously won't, but I wouldn't buy a preset. I actually quite like my sand. I don't prefer it to gravel, though - I like both equally depending on the look I want.
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