mini heaters in betta tanks

[Cbellehumeur]

Question for anyone who has some experience with these. I want to get a betta. i set up my 1.5G tank but the water isn't staying warm enough so i want to buy a mini heater. I've heard more bad things than good. I'd like to get one that goes under the gravel but they don't seem to have thermastats on them and some people have talked about over heating the tank? Any brand suggestions?

[Saltcreep]

With the experience I've had with heaters,I'd be worried too, especially overheating such a small tank. Maybe just try a regular lightbulb, near the tank, on the outside. A little fine-tuning will tell you how far to leave it away frm the tank to achieve the temperature you want.

[xenon]

I have a mini heater that is rated for 2.5g in my 6g nano and it overheats the water to 86 degrees!

I would rather see it cold and hot.

[Nataqua]

Hey Xenon,

I'm a total newbie here, but I thought I could share my experience since I was facing the same problem with a little one gallon I was intending to use for a Betta.

I had read about how difficult it was to heat such small volumes, and decided to experiment with a little 7.5w heater that can be placed under gravel. I only had a plant in it, no fish, and left it in there for about 2 months and checked the water temperature every day and it was always in the 76-80 range, never went above 80, it fluctuated mainly when I came home and cranked up the heat because I was freezing (in Jan Feb) but the temp in my apartment was always around 68-70 and the tank at 78.

I had read some bad reviews about the brand of heater I bought, so I was doubtful, but it was working.

Cheers,

Nat.

[Nataqua]

I forgot to mention which brand, its a zoo-med, and the heater is round and fits at the bottom of the tank, I'm sure there are other brands out there with low wattage, but that was the only one i could find.

Cheers,

Nat.

[touchofsky]

What is the temperature in your tanks without a heater? 

[Cbellehumeur]

about 65 during the evening when we have the furnace up ...at night and during the day when we are not home it drops to about 60

I looked into the zoo med and the hydro (yes the little round 7.5 watt ones) and they both get complaints about over heating the water...but it's nice to know one person got it to work...however know it's one one, lol.

[ajm1961]

Funny, I just bought an Aqueon mini heater today for my Fluval nano. I'll find out by tomorrow if it keeps the temperature at a decent level...
Didn't see this post before buying, hope this model works...

[Laura]

I've bought a couple of mini heaters and have used them in tank 2.5 - 5 gallons and love them.
Not sure if they would be too warm in 1.5 gallons.

In my experience, the higher the volume of water the better - I think anything under 3-4 gallons is a bit tight for a mature betta. Also, bettas are dramatically better in warmer water, with better colour and more activity IMHO.

http://www.bigalsonline.ca/fish/temperature-control/mini-heater-10-w.html is the one I've bought.

[touchofsky]

Yes, you need a heater at those temperatures.  I hope you can find something suitable.  I have never tried to heat a tank less than 5 gallons.

[Cbellehumeur]

This is my first tank under 5 gallons too. Of course bigger water volumes are better...that goes without says but it's for a bedroom so i don't want anything bigger.  i guess i can go and buy a heater and keep it in the tank without the fish and see how it goes....it's just till summer comes around and the house gets warmer

[touchofsky]

At least in your bedroom, you can keep a close eye on the temperatures, especially at the beginning.

[Cbellehumeur]

yeah