Instructions
Place your small fish bowl on an electric heating pad. While it will not distribute heat evenly across the water, the heating pad will generate warmth and give the fish a warmer place to swim at the bottom of the bowl. Use a heating pad without an automatic shutoff; otherwise, the device may quit or heat up inconsistently, causing distress for the fish.
Purchase a small heater to keep in the water or under the bowl. Generally, a small fish bowl may not have room for a cheap immersible heater and maintaining a consistent temperature across the water can be difficult without an agitator. Flat-top heaters are similar to hot plates and sit underneath the bowl. Both types of heaters should be used in conjunction with a temperature gauge so overheating and hot spots do not become an issue.
Move the bowl to a warmer place in the home, such as near a furnace register, and away from drafty windows and doors. More even air temperature will distribute heat throughout the bowl and create a comfortable and consistent environment for fish. Alternatively, place an electric heater with a programmable thermostat near the bowl to achieve consistent room temperature.
How to Heat a Small Fish Bowl
Small fish kept as pets thrive at certain water temperatures. Failure to maintain the proper environment can do significant harm. For example, bettas enjoy conditions kept just above room temperature, but when the water is less than 70 degrees, it can introduce lethargy and make the fish more susceptible to disease. Commercial and household items can resolve issues with heating, and you can also warm the water by simply picking a different place in the home for your fish bowl.