Anyone considering buying a betta fish has heard they don’t need a heater. Pet stores often tell new fish owners that a heater is unnecessary.
Unfortunately, stores label bettas as “hands-off beginner” fish that can live in a bowl. While bettas are pretty easy to care for, they have basic needs. Owners can’t throw them into a bowl and expect them to be healthy.
The good news is that this myth is being spouted much less often today. Betta lovers are advocating for the rights of bettas. They are educating new owners about their needs.
Bettas need to live in warm water to stay healthy. For most of the population, this means a heater is necessary.
The Ideal Water Temperature For Bettas
The best water temperature for betta fish is between 75-81°F (24-27.2°C). Keeping their tank between these temperatures mimics their natural environment. Warm temperatures help to keep them healthy.
Bettas living in too hot or cold water have weakened immune systems. They are more likely to get sick when their immune system is not working properly.
Bettas can *survive* in temperatures that are too hot or cold. They won’t do well and won’t live as long as they should.
Do Betta Fish Need A Heater?
Water heaters are a must for most betta fish owners to keep the temperatures within a healthy range.
Those living in tropical regions with warm weather may not need a heater. Their houses should stay warm enough to keep the water temperatures safe. A heater may be necessary if they use air conditioning in their homes.
Water heaters are essential for most of the world, especially in the colder months. Room temperature water (typically about 70°F (21°C) ) is unsuitable for bettas.
Heaters are great for keeping the temperature stable throughout the year. Temperatures often fluctuate with the changing seasons.
Bettas are hardy and do better with temperature fluctuations than other fish. The fluctuations stress them out, though; avoiding them is best.
A good water heater keeps the tank temperature stable. The temperature outside or inside the home won’t matter.
The Best Heaters For Betta Fish
We recommend small adjustable and submersible heaters for betta tanks.
Being able to adjust the heater allows the hobbyist complete control. Being fully submersible makes heaters easy to hide behind decorations. It also allows for better heat distribution.
Try to stick with 50-watt heaters, rated for three to ten gallons.
Some good heaters include:
- Aqueon Pro Submersible 50W Heater
- Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater
- Fluval Submersible Glass Aquarium Heater 50W
There are some heaters marketed specifically for bettas. These heaters are smaller and rarely adjustable. Their small size can be nice as they take up little room in an already small tank.
Be careful when buying a betta heater; they aren’t all good quality. Many of these heaters are only 25 watts, which is often unreliable even for small tanks.
Here are some suitable betta heaters:
- Freesea 50W Aquarium Heater
- Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater (50W)
- Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Pro Aquarium Heater (50W)
Avoid Natural Light
Natural light is bad for tanks; don’t use it to heat a tank.
Keep tanks away from windows and the outside walls of houses. Placing tanks in these locations causes dangerous temperature fluctuations. Exceptionally bright windows may even cause tanks to heat up to fatal temperatures.
Use A Thermometer
Always keep a thermometer in the tank and check the temperature often. Ideally, hobbyists will check the tank’s temperature daily.
It’s rare, but heaters can malfunction and raise temperatures to dangerous levels. Hobbyists have lost entire tanks to malfunctioning heaters.
Immediately replace any heaters that have gone bad.
Heaters of lesser quality may not be completely accurate, either. The heater may say it is putting off one temperature. After checking the thermometer, aquarists see a different temperature. Poor-quality heaters may be a few degrees off.
Having a simple thermometer ensures hobbyists always know their tank’s exact temperature.
Basic Betta Fish Tank Set Up
Setting up a healthy environment for a betta is easy by getting them a few key things. Besides a heater, hobbyists should buy a quality filter, protein-rich food, and decorations.
Keep the water healthy by keeping it within these ranges:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: >40 ppm
FAQs
What Kind Of Water For Betta Fish Is Best?
Warm, slightly acidic freshwater is best for betta fish. Most betta fish hobbyists use water from their tap and treat it with a dechlorinator to make it safe.
Other betta owners buy bottled mineral water to use in their tanks. Sometimes, tap water is too dangerous for the fish — aquarists should test their tap water to see if it’s safe.
Avoid distilled water when buying water from the store. Distilled water contains no minerals and will kill fish after a time.
How Much Water Does A Betta Fish Need?
At the very least, a single betta fish needs three gallons. Most betta fish need at least five gallons. We only recommend three gallons for those that become stressed in larger tanks.
To make a betta really happy, consider giving them a ten-gallon tank for extra swimming room.
What pH Do Bettas Like?
Bettas prefer slightly acidic to neutral water between 6.5 and 7.5.
