Like other subjects of betta care, one frequently debated topic from first time betta keepers is whether Like other subjects of betta care, one frequently debated topic among first-time betta keepers is whether or not they need a heater for their aquatic pet. Being considered easy-going pets, bettas might seem low maintenance, but there’s much more to do for their care.
So far, it’s the matter of the heater; we don’t want to simply answer the concerned question as Yes or No; instead, we’ll dig into the details of all the essential factors regarding betta’s heater requirements. These factors include:
- temperature in betta’s natural habitats
- your room temperature
- temperature fluctuations throughout different seasons
- temperature drop through day and night
A betta may survive without a heater, but a heater is highly recommended to ensure that it thrives and lives its full lifespan (up to 5 years or more). After reading the comprehensive guide on betta heater requirements, it’ll be easy to decide whether it needs one.
Temperature in Betta’s Natural Habitats
Betta fish originate from warm, tropical environments, specifically in Southeast Asia. The temperature of these regions ranges from 78°F to 82°F (25°C to 27°C). It can sometimes rise to 84°F but is very rare; however, it’s bearable for betta if it persists for a shorter duration. Any temperature lower than 74°F for extended periods can put them in hard-living conditions.
Your Room Temperature
For those living in regions where the natural temperature usually remains below the betta’s needed—less than 78°F, a heater is absolutely necessary to ensure your betta’s well-being.
On the other hand, if you live in tropical regions where the regional temperature remains higher than the betta’s required one—greater than 78°F or 80°F—you may think of compensating for the heater, but it’s not recommended. Why do we say so? There are several reasons behind this, which we will discuss in an upcoming section.
Temperature Fluctuations and Stability
Betta fish always feel comfortable in stable temperature conditions. In tropical regions, the temperature may stay within an acceptable range without a heater during the summer. But it can fluctuate significantly throughout the year— usually low during cooler months. The fluctuation can be further overplayed over a 24-hour day and night cycle if you use air conditioning in your room.
You may experience significant cooling at night or during the rainy season and a warmer temperature than ideal in summer at midday. Remember, bettas can be severely affected by even a small temperature drop. They can tolerate various temperatures, but rapid changes can shock them adversely. This can result in slower metabolism, stress, and a higher likelihood of diseases like fin rot. This shows how a heater is crucial to add to your aquarium.
Importance of Heaters for Betta Fish
Betta fish are so adapted to warmer temperatures that their metabolism can slow down in colder water. Keeping them in less warm water for a long time can lead to lethargy and reduced appetite. It can weaken the betta’s immune system, making them vulnerable to diseases.
Warmer temperatures can faster their metabolism, which promotes digestion, growth, and healing of the injuries or damaged fins if suffered from swim bladder diseases or any other fungal or bacterial infection. A warmer environment helps facilitate breeding and ensures the health of both the fish and their offspring.
Misconception about Betta’s Heater
When you are having betta, misconceptions always surround you. Most of the time, they are pet store employees who contribute to these misconceptions. They spread misinformation because they aren’t well-versed in proper betta care, like claiming bettas can live happily in unheated water or small containers. They justify their deed of keeping bettas in small, unheated bowls, giving the false impression that this is adequate for their long-term care.
This often leads to misconceptions that bettas are easy, low-maintenance pets that don’t require proper heated setups, which is far from the reality. If you want your betta to live a long and healthy life, you need to provide them with a warm, stable environment—which makes the heater an essential component to install.
Betta’s Heater Considerations
When choosing a heater for your betta fish tank, several factors must be considered so that your betta remains safe and healthy and prevents overheating. Here are key factors to keep in mind.
Tank Size
The heater power should align with the size of the tank. A general rule is to use a heater of 4-5 watts per gallon of water. For larger tanks above 50 gallons, the power of the heater reduces to 2-3 watts per gallon. However, the final selection depends upon your room temperature and heater efficiency.
For example, for a 5-gallon betta tank, you’ll need to acquire a 20- to 25-watt heater. For a 10-gallon betta tank, you’ll require a 50-watt heater, but if you are dealing with a cold winter, you may require a high-power heater up to 75 watts. Using the wrong wattage can either overheat or fail to properly warm the water.
Adjustable vs. Pre-set Heaters
If your room temperature is fluctuating heavily, you should go with an adjustable heater. It allows you to set the exact temperature you want, giving you more control.
Preset heaters are set to a fixed temperature, usually around 78°F for a betta. Aquarists often recommend these heaters to newbies due to their simple use. However, they may not meet your expectations to find accurate temperature readings in all conditions.
Heater Placement
Heater placement plays an important role in even distribution of heat throughout the tank. For our aquariums, the heater is usually placed near the filter or in an area where water circulation is strong. It gives us the best results in the proper distribution of heat. Uneven heating can create hot and cold spots that can stress your betta.
Compatibility with Other Equipment
Your heater should be compatible with other accessories of betta’s tank, such as filter, light, and decorations. Sometimes, a high-luminous light with the combination of a high-power heater can overheat your tank. In such cases, you should consider the contribution of light in increasing the temperature and use the heater accordingly.
The heater should also not interfere with the functions of the tank or other equipment or cause an imbalance in water circulation.
If you have tank mates with your betta, the set temperature should also align with their required temperature.
How Aquarium Heaters Work?
Aquarium heaters warm the surrounding water when electricity flows through its core component, typically made of metal. As mentioned earlier, most aquarium heaters come either as pre-set or adjustable.
The temperature automation of aquarium heaters works with the help of a thermostat. They are intended to turn on and off as per temperature requirements to maintain the temperature at your desired point. Once the water reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat automatically shuts off the heater to prevent the temperature from further increasing. When the water temperature falls below the set level because of fluctuations in room temperature, the thermostat reactivates the heater, allowing it to maintain a desirable temperature again.
Small Tank Heaters
One of the biggest concerns about heaters is using them in small betta tanks. The betta owners are frightened by its associated problems, such as overheating, fitting issues, and inconsistent performance. Although we don’t want you to keep bettas in small-size tanks, we still care about your limitations and constraints.
Always select a brand heater to avoid the associated problems of small tank heaters. Never go for any unknown brand that has no credibility. Additionally, prefer adjustable heaters over pre-set heaters.
The pre-set ones are not effective enough in smaller tanks of size 2.5-gallon. Even in 5-gallon tanks, non-adjustable heaters may struggle to maintain the optimal water temperature, making fish susceptible to cold stress. Adjustable heaters provide more control and are generally more effective for small tanks. Adjustable heaters allow you to repurpose larger tanks in the future. A heater of 5 to 25 watts works best for any tank ranging from 1 to 5 gallons, depending on the efficiency and effectiveness of your heater.
Our Recommended Heaters for Smaller Tanks
1. YukiHalu Adjustable Submersible Aquarium Heater
A decent design heater that occupies less space, and can easily be hided in fish tank.
Check it on Amazon
2. FREESEA 25W Submersible Preset Aquarium Heater
If you are not compatible with adjustable heaters and find it difficult to use, here’s a preset heater that fits your betta aquarium for 1-5 gallons.
Check it on Amazon
Other Recommended Heaters for Larger Tanks
After our testing and based on expert reviews, we consider the following aquarium heaters to be best suited for your betta tank of larger size.
1. Orlushy Submersible and Adjustable 100W Aquarium Heater
The Orlushy Aquarium Heater (Check it on Amazon) enables one to take care of all key considerations necessary for maintaining a stable temperature in the tank, such as precise temperature control, quick heating, and strong suction cups for secure placement.
2. Fluval 50W Submersible Aquarium Heater for Aquariums up to 15-G
We currently have a Fluval M50 Aquarium Heater (Check it on Amazon) in our 10-gallon betta tank. This heater can maintain a steady temperature, which is crucial for betta fish. It also does not bother your betta nor affect the tank equipment.
3. Aqueon Adjustable PRO Aquarium Heater Up to 20 Gallons, 50 Watts
This tank heater (Check it on Amazon) is known for maintaining a consistent temperature (usually within 1°F of the set point), durability, even distribution of heating, and ease of use. Its adjustable settings to a precise level are amazing, which helps you set the temperature to a higher degree for specific requirements like fin rot.
External Temperature Controllers
Most of the heaters come with external temperature controllers. However, if one misses it, you should consider buying it separately. It helps you prevent overheating in your tank.
These controllers, like the Inkbird temperature controller (Check it on Amazon), cut off the heater’s power supply once the preset temperature is reached, protecting your tank from accidental overheating.
Aquarium Thermometers
While most heaters come in with built-in thermostats, these can sometimes malfunction and provide an inaccurate measurement. You might consider an aquarium thermometer for precise measuring of your tank temperature. This little investment prevents your tank from overheating or under-heating, especially in the case of sensitive species like bettas that thrive in stable and warm environments.
Zacro Digital Aquarium Thermometer
Check it on Amazon
Marina Floating Thermometer for Betta Fish Tank with Suction Cup
Check it on Amazon
Final Thoughts
Summarizing our discussion about the most debated question, do betta fish need a heater? We can confidently say that aquarium heaters are crucial for tropical fish, particularly betta. Although a betta fish may survive without a heater for a short time, it is necessary for its longevity and thriving life.
Using a heater keeps you on the safer side. They are inexpensive and energy-efficient, and they protect your fish from potential temperature fluctuations, even if the room temperature seems ideal most of the time.
