ricktavious

So I got a heater now that the place I am is a good bit cooler.....only problem is, the heater makes this odd vibrating noise everytime it kicks on. The only source of heat he would have is the lighting. I've got a replacement heater that will probably be here on Wednesday or Thursday. On top of this, he is recovering from fin rot (looks like it's all gone now, fingers crossed ). So, would the "buzzing" heater be safe to use, or would it be better to take the heater out be have the fish be too cold + deal with temperature changes

azzman

I didnt have a heater when i first got my betta, he was lifeless and dull, so
i brought a small paddle shaped heater that only takes the chill out of the water
and my fish is full of life, so i recomend a heater for sure.

ricktavious

Before now he hadn't needed a heater to stay at around 80 degrees or so, but now he does.......but the whole "buzzing" has me worried that it could malfunction and make it waaaaaaaaaaaaaay to hot for him.

Phloxface

What brand of heater is it? It shouldn't be making any noise at all. Is it one of the fully submersible ones or the old fashioned ones that hang over the side?

What is the temp of the tank without the heater if you use just the light? As long as it's over 70F it should be fine until Wed or Thurs. I wouldn't trust a malfunctioning heater. It could be releasing small electrical currents into the water which would greatly stress the fish. If it were me, I'd rather have him in cooler water for a few days than risk a bad heater. The Bettas in the store are in water much cooler than that usually. He may not be as lively, but he'll be fine for a couple days.
To prevent temp fluctuations I'd keep the light on all the time so it stays pretty much the same. Once you get your new heater you can go back to normal 10 hours of light/day.

Tazmiche

I saw a HUGE difference with Honey when her temp went up. My dad is an electrician and i just asked his advice. He has said that it is  usually the sound of the electrical coils vibrating that causes the buzzing sound. Said to check that all visible connections are ok and safe and it should be ok. Make sure you use a theometre and keep close eye on temp, watch for over heating. He checks my fish stuff and all has been great but says if you have ANY DOUBT , as in gut feeling, then don't use it!

If very cold i'd wrap a fleece blanket around the tank!!

Phloxface

Electrical current being released into the water through heaters is more common than most people think. It may be a major cause of fish stress and disease. I wouldn't risk it. Even buzzing causes vibration and stress. As I said, as long as the water isn't freezing cold, he will be fine for a few days. It's summer now so it shouldn't be that cold in the house.
Here's a ground probe I plan on getting for all my tanks to prevent the stray voltage problem. http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/...iumgroundprobe

It's up to you but I would be wary of electrical equipment making noises they shouldn't, especially since it is used in water.

Tazmiche

my dad just got up and said tell whoever it is not to use it. Said his training etc was one thing but lying in bed thinking he thought NO.

COBettaCouple

I'd use a blanket around the tank like michelle recommended if possible and not risk cooking him. how big is the tank? maybe you can put it beside a tv or computer to pick up the heat those tend to give out. that would probably be the warmest spot in the place.

ricktavious

The tank is 3 gallon, and with the light on/heater unplugged, he is doing fine......but he's really having at it with his reflection, haha! Talked to the lady who is helping me exchange it, the new heater should be here on Monday! Thanks everyone for your help

COBettaCouple

yw.. glad to hear he's fine.. is that an eclipse 3g? does he see his reflection all the way around?

Phloxface

The best way to prevent him seeing his reflection is to make sure the room light is on fairly bright. With the room light off all he will see is his reflection everywhere and it will stress him. To get an idea of what he sees, look at your window late at night while your lights are on bright in the room. You can easily see your own reflection in the glass.

Tazmiche

I too get very stressed when i look in a mirror!! Not a pretty sight

ricktavious

FLBettacouple - yep, it is an Eclipse and he has been able to see his reflection most of the way around

Phloxface - the lights have been on as much as possible.....the room is pretty dimly lit, so we just turned off his light when he started chasing the reflection.

Also, last night, the water temp stayed at around 77 or so with a towel wrapped around the tank.....seemed to help alot!

Tazmiche

i'm glad the tank is ok

BettaBuddy ~ Miley

i dont have a heater but i have a 1 gal and a 1.5 gal and they are fine and i do a 50% w.c. everyday so .... mine are fine. Miley

COBettaCouple

sometimes scrapbook paper (fish theme if possible ) against a wall or 2 can help bounce the light in a way to help with the reflections.