Ways to Keep a Betta Fish Tank at a Good Temperature

A betta fish, sometimes also called a "Siamese Fighting Fish," is one of the easiest fish to care for. When not in captivity, these fish can live in dirty puddles of water, so they are exceptionally hardy and can thrive in less than ideal conditions. However, as pets, a proper environment can help ensure that the fish will live a long, healthy life. Being aware of variables such as water temperature can improve the longevity of the pet.

  1. Tank Types and Sizes

    • There are a number of options for the tank that a betta fish will live in, ranging from simple, shallow glass bowls to complex plexiglass or synthetic tanks with exotic filtration systems. The first step in ensuring that the water is kept at a suitable temperature for the fish is understanding the capability and limitations of the container and what tools can be used to regulate water temperature. In a tank built with a filtration system, a heater or cooler can be used. A bowl will rely more on location and outside factors. Bear in mind that the size of the container will also impact how fast or slow the water temperature changes; small tanks will heat faster than large environments.

    Heat Sources

    • Fish tanks come in various shapes and sizes.

      The temperature of the water in a fish tank can be influenced by a number of factors internal and exterior. A pump attached to a tank wall for filtration can generate heat, just as a tank that is in direct sunlight or near an appliance that generates heat. There are also heaters made specifically for fish tanks that generate heat but can sometimes generate excessive heat if installed incorrectly, or if they're also receiving heat from exterior sources, such as prolonged sunlight.

    Water Temperature

    • The ideal temperature for a tropical fish like a betta is between 75 degrees and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. A water heater is the best device to ensure the temperature stays within this range, however, a heater cannot be used in a tank smaller than five gallons. Keeping a heater and thermometer together in a tank will allow for small adjustments to the heat output of the device. The temperature of the water should be kept as stable as possible since quick fluctuations of temperature can be lethal to fish.

    Environment

    • It is important to keep the environment that a fish lives stable and consistent. Changes in temperature and water chemicals can have lethal consequences. Observe where the aquarium is situated to look for factors such as sun exposure from windows, heaters or vents tied to a home's thermostat or appliances such as air conditioners, toasters or computers, which may put off enough heat to alter the water temperature. For bowls five gallons and smaller, water kept at room temperature is oftentimes safe for the fish as long as it is kept consistently at that temperature.