cam

i have a 2.5 gallon mini bow aquarium, and i plan on getting 1 betta, is a heater necessary with an air pump....

~thank you~

lilsoccakid

i dont think its neccessary, but there not very expensive and would make the fish much more comfortable!

armadillo

I think it is necessary to have a heater for your betta.

sirdarksol

The paddies that bettas live in are much warmer than a typical person's home is. My betta tank is set to the minimum "comfort" level of bettas, and you can actually feel the heat radiating off of it when you put your hand near the glass.
For a 2.5, I would suggest getting a hydor mini 7.5 watt heater.

cam

but if i purchased a heater would a airpump be needed...

sirdarksol

Heater and air pump serve two entirely separate functions. Because they breath air, bettas don't really need an air pump, but they do need filtration. For a small tank, most types of filtration involve air pumps to drive the water through the filter media.

cam

thank you for your help