Types of Water Heaters for a Betta Bowl

Since most aquarium water heaters are designed to heat a minimum of five to ten gallons of water, it can be difficult to select a heater that works efficiently and safely in a 1-to-2 gallon Betta bowl. Though most captive-bred Bettas can temporarily survive in temperatures as low as the mid-60s, they require temperature between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive and stay healthy.

  1. Ambient Heat

    • A Betta fish bowl will remain roughly the same temperature as the surrounding air. If you keep your home's temperature in the mid-70s or above, a commercial heater is unnecessary.

    Submersible Heaters

    • Submersible heaters in small tanks work well but can cause fish to overheat. Select a small heater that operates at 7.5 watts or below and check the temperature regularly with a submerged thermometer.

    Terrarium Heating Pads

    • Terrarium heating pads are designed to be placed on the floors of habitats for reptiles and hermit crabs. Betta owners can set a fish bowl on top of these heaters and allow the heat to slowly absorb into the water.

    Heating with Light

    • Well-lit Betta bowls sometimes absorb heat from lighting fixtures. If this seems to be inadequate, light fixtures made for reptiles can be placed above the fish bowl.

    Heating During Water Changes

    • Eighty to ninety-degree water can be used during weekly water changes, but the fish should be allowed to float in a normal-temperature plastic bag for a half-hour so it can slowly adjust to the new temperature without much stress.

    Avoiding Overheating

    • Under no circumstances should a Betta bowl be heated to above ninety degrees. A Betta can easily die from overheating, and this is an especially common risk when submersible heaters are used.