Ethical Dilemma and a sick betta

Hello Fishlore. I bring sad news today. My betta Haku is a beautiful brilliant red male veil tale betta. I've had him almost 4 years and he is my best friend. I love him so much but I can't properly care for him anymore.

I live in a college dorm now and of course took Haku with me, especially after no one back home said they would be willing to care for him. I later found out I am required to keep the room temperature at 70 degrees, so Hakus water is the same. Putting in a heater violates fire code.

I hoped he would adjust as he's been through temperature changes before, and I've been keeping a close eye on him. His health is rapidly declining.

He now has fin rot, lays on a leaf in his tank all day, and is now having swim bladder problems. None of these were normal for him nor did he ever exhibit any signs of these issues prior. I truly believe it is due to the stress put on him in that frigid water.

I feel like I'm torturing him and I hate seeing him like this. I don't know what to do. If I treat his problems what's to say they won't come back? I can't do anything about the water. No one can care for him. I just love him so much, what do I do? Here's a picture of my beautiful boy.

 

How does a heater violate the fire code?

 

How does a heater violate the fire code?

I really don't understand the logic either. We aren't allowed to have any sort of items that produce heat.

 

Well, personally I'd put a heater in anyway lol. It's obviously not going to start a fire in the tank, and it's the same risk as the filter being plugged in as for anything else. If someone questions it, I'd just tell them it's another filter or something, I doubt they'd know. But maybe someone else has a better idea. I wouldn't want you getting in trouble

 

Well, personally I'd put a heater in anyway lol. It's obviously not going to start a fire in the tank, and it's the same risk as the filter being plugged in as for anything else. If someone questions it, I'd just tell them it's another filter or something, I doubt they'd know. But maybe someone else has a better idea. I wouldn't want you getting in trouble

Yes, I agree, I would go to someone in change and tell them, and if they say no, just put the heater in anyhow. If you want to put your little betta down there is a way to do it that is painless, using clove oil. Note: I have heard that this essential oil really does put the bettas into a deeps sleep. Once they are in that sleep a few more drops will kill them. They never feel a thing

 

What kind of tank is it? I'm thinking a heater pad may work if its small enough, and its hidden. If its bigger, like big enough to have a canister filter, then you could use an inline heater and call it something else lol
Guy needs heat, I know my college doesn't allow anything with an open heat source, but closed heat is fine. So no toasters, but microwaves are fine.

 

I agree with just getting the heater. We had no open flame rules when I was in a dorm as well, but there were no complaints about a potpourrI pot I had. And I'd consider that way more of a fire hazard than an aquarium heater! Do they say no hair straighteners or curling irons too? If not, I'd say you're fine.

 

I wonder how much solar heating might help. You could paint the back of the tank black and put it in front of a window.

But unless the rule specifically mentions aquarium heaters, you could just interpret it as not intended to apply to small aquarium heaters (versus things like hot plates and space heaters). This may be a "better to ask for forgiveness than permission" situation.

 

I would just put in a heater. Either that, or rehome him. I highly doubt anyone will notice. Are people allowed to use curling irons or hair straighteners? Those are heat sources. I think the rule is likely more intented for toasters and things.

 

Get a minI heater that’s not so obvious maybe? What size is the tank?

 

Putting in a heater violates fire code.

This seems like a rule designed for space heaters.

 

This seems like a rule designed for space heaters.

That’d be quite the misunderstanding if this is true. It makes a lot more sense though.