Jonny_Maelstrom

I have a recently-vacated 5gallon tank that I hope to put a betta in soon, but I've noticed the 25w heater I put in there just isn't doing its job. I replaced it recently for the same reason, and am sure the original heater did work for a while at least.
Seriously, it's set to about 30C - hotter than I need - but the thermometer doesn't get much above 20C. The chart on the side of the box says 25w is the right size for a 5g tank, but should I go for a bigger one?
Also, is it possibly because of the cold water in the tank that the snail I bought hasn't budged an inch, or have I just been sold a dead snail?

Lucy

I had a 25W in a 5g and switched to a 50W for that same reason, it just didn't seem to being doing the job.
The 50W works great on my 10g, should you ever upgrade from the 5.

Barbrella

For the snail, I suggest you take it out and smell it. You'll know right away if it's dead. You need to do this because a dead snail will quickly and seriously pollute the water.

COBettaCouple

The brand can also make a difference. The Visi-Therm Stealth heaters do pretty good and we have 25w heaters of that model that heat 6.6g bookshelf tanks very well.

Jonny_Maelstrom

Well, where I live it's Aquaone (an Australian brand, I presume) or nothing. Thanks for the info though. I might start shopping online, as they are very much more expensive in the store.
As for the snail, I'll have to check when I get home, but I didn't notice a smell last time I looked.

Lucy

Thanks COBC, I forgot to say the 25W wasn't a Stealth, when I switched to 50W I got the Stealth, so yeah, that could be the difference.

Lucy

Petsmart carries the Stealth heater. The 50W is $14.00 less on line than it is in the store here. So shopping on line might be less expensive for you. Thank goodness the store will match the on line price.

Jonny_Maelstrom

Thanks, but I live in Australia. There are two pet shops in my town and I've been given dodgy fish-advice by both. It's a matter of getting what's available.

COBettaCouple

Hydor Theo heaters and Jager heaters are also really good heaters. Perhaps those would be available to you locally or through online ordering?

Jonny_Maelstrom

I just had a look online and they have the Jager ones so maybe I'll get a 50W one. Other sites have AquarWorld and Fluval Tronic. Anyone know if they're any good?

In the meantime can I go ahead and get my Betta? Would it be okay in a 20C-ish tank while I wait for the new heater?

COBettaCouple

I haven't heard of those other brands, but I have a 50w Jager in a 5g tank at the moment that's holding some very young Hongi fry.. I really like the temperature dial on it and it's a top-notch heater. I'd get that one.

I'd wait for the heater. Betta can very, very quickly develop ICH, finrot and a number of other problems in water that cold. They need water between 25-27C, ours are kept at 26C.

Lucy

That's 68F? That's way too cold. Please get the heater first betta's need at least 78F to 80F.

Jonny_Maelstrom

I thought so.