In this blog we will discuss temperature preference for fighting fish aka betta fish.This blog will be beneficial for betta keepers,as it will help them to know the importance of aquarium temperature for betta fish.
Overview
In this blog
- What temperature for betta fish?
- What is homeostasis?
- What is the ideal temperature range for betta fish to survive in aquarium conditions?
- Do betta fish require a heater in their aquarium?
- Types of heater used in betta fish aquarium?
- Heater shape in bettas aquarium
- Thermometer for betta fish aquarium
- How does warm water affect your betta fish?
- Why is it important to maintain ideal temperature in fish tanks?
- How to heat betta tanks without an aquarium heater?
- What happens to fish bodies when the aquarium temperature drops?
- How much temperature variations can a fish handle?
- How to maintain aquarium water temperature while doing water changes?
- Can bettas survive in 84 degrees?
- How much time betta fish take to recover from temperature shocks?
- Summary
- Frequently asked questions
- Reference
What’s the ideal temperature range for betta fish?
The ideal temperature for betta fish:
| Water type | Freshwater |
| Ideal temperature | 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Breeding temperature | 78 degrees Fahrenheit |
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the ability of an organism or cell to seek and maintain a state of equilibrium or stability in its internal environment when the external environment changes.Temperature regulation is by far the most important aspect of homeostasis.
What is the ideal temperature range for betta fish to survive in aquarium conditions?
The aquarium water temperature should be maintained between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold water can kill bettas, as it slows down their immune system and makes it more susceptible to illness.
Hot water is uncomfortable too and can age quickly due to increased metabolism. The water temperature should be maintained with an aquarium heater.
Its ideal temperature ranges between 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they can survive in temperatures as high as 83 degrees Fahrenheit and as cold as 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do betta fish require a heater in their aquarium?
Bettas are tropical fish and require warm water at 74-82 degrees Fahrenheit for swimming in their aquarium.So select a heater with five watts of power for every gallon of water in their tank.
But if the tank is bigger in size then you should install an aquarium heater on both the ends.After filling the aquarium with water,kindly wait for 15 mins to turn on the heater.
Types of heater used in betta fish aquarium?
- Fully submerged aquarium heater
- Partially submerged aquarium heater
- Pre-installed aquarium heater
- Changeable or adjustable aquarium heater
Fully submerged aquarium heater & partially submersible aquarium heater for bettas tank
Submersible heaters can be fully submerged in aquarium water. and the partially submerged heater remains above the waterline.
In general, partial immersion heaters are less expensive but less versatile.Full immersion heaters are recommended whenever possible,regardless of tank size, as they do a better job of producing evenly heated water.
Pre-installed aquarium heater for bettas tank
Pre-installed aquarium heaters usually come with a single preset temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.There is no way to adjust the pre-installed heater.
To reach the factory settings, simply turn it on and off as needed. However, they are often small and inexpensive, making them suitable for small aquariums and bowls.
Changeable or adjustable aquarium heaters for bettas tank
There are two types of adjustable heaters.One has a temperature marking that allows you to select a specific number.The other type has an adjustment knob marked with plus and minus only.
These heaters have a small indicator that lights up when the heater is heating up and you select a setpoint.
To adjust the setpoint, you must first put the thermometer in the aquarium; then switch on the heater and wait until the water temperature reaches the desired level on the thermometer.
Finally, turn the knob until the light goes out; this new temperature setpoint will be maintained.
Heater shape in bettas aquarium
With the development of very small heaters, manufacturers have surpassed standard torpedo-style heaters with suction cups on the sides of the aquarium.
Currently, heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes.Some are flat and some are rectangular.The heaters in bettas aquarium are rounded to fit in the bottom.
What they all have in common is that they are made of shatterproof material and require very little energy to operate.
The flat style can be placed under gravel, avoiding the need to hide the heater behind decor. There may even be some flat heaters placed under the bowl or aquarium itself.
Thermometer for betta fish aquarium
Having a good quality thermometer to track the temperature of the aquarium water at different times and days will help you identify issues related to temperature changes.
The thermometer should be placed at the opposite end of the aquarium heater.By placing the thermometer away from the heater, you can get an accurate reading of the temperature of the entire aquarium.
If the tank thermometer is damaged or has been in use for a few years, it may be time to replace it with the new one.
Digital thermometers provide accurate measurements up to 0.1F. You don’t have to guess, just read what’s on the display and it’s your temperature.
And not only that, the digital thermometer is made of plastic, so you don’t have to worry about the glass thermometer shattering in the tank.
How does warm water affect your betta fish?
Warm water affects betta fish in many ways.The toxins produced by algae occur more frequently as the temperature rises and stresses or kills bettas by clogging their gills or lowering oxygen levels in the water.Warm water also makes bettas more vulnerable to parasitic infections.
Why is it important to maintain ideal temperature in fish tanks?
It is very important to maintain a certain temperature range in betta fish tanks so that the betta fish and other tank mates we keep together are happy and healthy.
Too high or too low aquarium water temperature will affect bettas growth and development.
The problem is that as the water heats up, there is less oxygen left in it, which causes additional stress for the fish.
How to heat betta tanks without an aquarium heater?
- Cover the aquarium with a lid/hood/canopy.
- Monitor the water temperature regularly with a thermometer.
- Use stronger aquarium lights.
- Add an insulating layer.
- Use inefficient filters.
- Use a heating pad (for small fish tanks only)
- In case of emergency, blanket/thick towel.
What happens to fish bodies when the aquarium temperature drops?
Fish use different enzymes to control their bodies at different temperatures.Therefore, as the water gets colder or warmer,it will readjust the enzymes it uses.
The more drastic the temperature change, the longer it will take to adjust.This explains why the marshy areas become ghost towns when the water temperature drops.
How much temperature variations can a fish handle?
Fish can detect small changes in aquarium water temperature that are as small as 0.03C.
Some aquarium fish succumb to white spot syndrome and other stress-related illnesses, while others can put up with changes as long as they change over time.
How to maintain aquarium water temperature while doing water changes?
If you’re only replacing part of the water in the aquarium,then make sure it’s the same temperature as the water that’s already there. If you want to replace it all, bring the water to the desired temperature first.
The bettas were then floated in a clear plastic bag filled with old water for several hours to allow them to acclimate to the new temperature before being released into the tank.
Can bettas survive in 84 degrees?
Yes,bettas can survive in 84 degree fahrenheit,but it’s well outside where they are comfortable.
Keeping the aquarium at this temperature can show signs of discomfort and stress.The same is true for keeping your tank at 74 degrees fahrenheit.
How much time betta fish take to recover from temperature shocks?
Once the water temperature has returned to the optimum range, it is time to pay attention to its effect on betta fish.
Symptoms of temperature shock will probably last for days,sometimes more than a week.
Summary
Betta Fish are very beautiful and colorful additions to home aquariums.
Siamese fighting fish have evolved to live in tropical environments,so the water temperature of its aquarium is an important factor for their health and longevity.
Keeping bettas in an aquarium within the ideal temperature range will make them healthy and happy. If you take good care of it, they can live for more than 3 years.
If you find any strange behaviors in a betta fish then be sure to use a thermometer to check the aquarium water temperature and adjust it if required.
In case of extreme weather, keep the tank away from windows and doors. At low temperatures, lamps and heaters can be placed near the aquarium.
In warmer climates, avoid direct sunlight and keep the aquarium under fans or air conditioners.
Any change in the water temperature in the aquarium can inadvertently affect their health.
Bettas can tolerate small deviations from their ideal temperature, but sudden changes can be potentially hazardous to their health.
Frequent and sudden fluctuations in the water temperature in the aquarium can adversely affect the health of bettas.
Frequently asked questions
How much temperature variation will shock a betta fish?
Larger temperature variation may shock the betta fish. To be on the safer side, try to make sure the difference is no more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees Fahrenheit.
What tools are required to maintain temperature in bettas aquarium?
Tools to maintain temperature in bettas aquarium are:
- Aquarium heater to keep water warm.
- A thermometer to measure the temperature of the water and ensure that it is not above or below the ideal range.
What happens if water heats up too much in a bettas tank?
If water heats up too much in a bettas tank then they start swimming erratically ,i.e you will find them swimming irregularly and very quickly.
