Heating A Betta Tank (questions)

Hello! I just became the lucky owner of a male dragon scale betta yesterday and after getting him all acclimated in his .5 gallon tank I realized my room is too drafty and cold for a tropical fish. I ran to the pet store and bought the ZooMed BettaTherm minI sized betta bowl heater but I have a few questions before using it and unfortunately nobody at the pet store could answer them. First I want to be sure that this heater will be okay for a .5 gallon tank as it’s advertised for a 1-3 gallon... reviews on amazon say it’s worked well for their .5 tank but I of course want to be sure. I also don’t quite know how to go about placing it. Should I just put it in under the gravel and let it heat up the tank with Mr. Angel Butt in there or should I take him out, heat the tank, then let him acclimate like you would first introducing them to the tank?

 

My recommendation? Upgrade to at least a 2.5 gallon. A half gallon tank will be difficult to maintain because it is such a small volume of water. Also, I don't see a filter in that tank, which means there is no way to help keep the water clean.

 

Your poor fish is in FAR too small a tank. Go spend $10 bucks on a 2.5 gallon or 5, $10 on a heater and $10 on a small filter. He'll be MUCH happier.

 

Your poor fish is in FAR too small a tank. Go spend $10 bucks on a 2.5 gallon or 5, $10 on a heater and $10 on a small filter. He'll be MUCH happier.

I spent $40 on this tank, all the bigger ones were at least $20 more. Not very helpful, thanks

 

No, it was VERY helpful, you just didnt like it.

 

Looking for help, save your judgement for someone else. This fish was gifted to me and I’m not going into debt over it

 

I'm not judging you, I'm TRYING to help you. You don't want to hear it. If spending $30 bucks on a properly sized tank, heater and filter is going to put you into debt, either let the fish lead a miserable life until it dies or bring it back to the pet shop. Its your call.

 

No, it was VERY helpful, you just didnt like it.

Helpful would be linking me to where you’re finding these elusive $10 tanks

 

I spent $40 on this tank, all the bigger ones were at least $20 more. Not very helpful, thanks

$40 is a rip-off, a 10 gallon aquarium at my shop is only $17...

Add a drop of dye to a glass of water vs a bucket of water. The amount that volume of water is changed can be translated to an aquarium. Smaller volumes of water are affected more by things such as ammonia, which is created by fish waste and food.

Small volumes also can fluctuate more in terms of parameters and temperature. Larger volumes can maintain a more stable temperature which means less stress for your fish.

Finally, you can actually fit a heater and filter on a larger tank. In your current setup, I see your betta becoming lethargic and sick quickly.

There are some members here that can make a half gallon work and set it up beautifully. However, without extensive knowledge of the nitrification cycle, live plants, and water parameters, we highly recommend getting something like a 5 gallon and asking the forum any questions you may have. We're here to ensure you have a healthy, happy tank.

 

I'm not judging you, I'm TRYING to help you. You don't want to hear it. If spending $30 bucks on a properly sized tank, heater and filter is going to put you into debt, either let the fish lead a miserable life until it dies or bring it back to the pet shop. Its your call.

I'm absolutely not taking it back to the pet shop where it’ll be put back into a cup for the rest of its life are you crazy? My tank is small but it’s much better than where it was

 

Helpful would be linking me to where you’re finding these elusive $10 tanks

Don't buy the betta kits, they're overpriced, too small and don't contain necessary hardware.

 

please give him a bigger tank. that's just sad. I know it may look cute, but bettas do best in 5 or 10 gallon tanks.

 

$40 is a rip-off, a 10 gallon aquarium at my shop is only $17...

Add a drop of dye to a glass of water vs a bucket of water. The amount that volume of water is changed can be translated to an aquarium. Smaller volumes of water are affected more by things such as ammonia, which is created by fish waste and food.

Small volumes also can fluctuate more in terms of parameters and temperature. Larger volumes can maintain a more stable temperature which means less stress for your fish.

Finally, you can actually fit a heater and filter on a larger tank. In your current setup, I see your betta becoming lethargic and sick quickly.

There are some members here that can make a half gallon work and set it up beautifully. However, without extensive knowledge of the nitrification cycle, live plants, and water parameters, we highly recommend getting something like a 5 gallon and asking the forum any questions you may have. We're here to ensure you have a healthy, happy tank.

Thank you, this is a helpful response. I will look into other tanks but unfortunately the cheapest 5 gallon I’ve been able to find is upwards of $60. I can see if my papa will help me build one soon. As far as filters go I will get one asap, for now I have some betta balls on the way, the pet store guy said that was the best way to keep a small tank clean.
If you have any answer for my original question; can I use this heater until I get the bigger tank and if so how do I introduce it?

 

Thank you, this is a helpful response. I will look into other tanks but unfortunately the cheapest 5 gallon I’ve been able to find is upwards of $60. I can see if my papa will help me build one soon. As far as filters go I will get one asap, for now I have some betta balls on the way, the pet store guy said that was the best way to keep a small tank clean.
If you have any answer for my original question; can I use this heater until I get the bigger tank and if so how do I introduce it?

Unfortunately that heater is way too large. Also not sure if it would get hot enough to warp or melt the acrylic. I had bought the same one for a 3 gallon glass bowl but decided against it.

The trick is not buying aquarium kits. Here is how you could set up a 5 gallon for barely more than the half gallon:

5 gallon tank, bare - $15
sponge filter - >$5
small air pump - $5
25w heater - $15

Also if you use your tap water you will need a water conditioner to dechlorinate it.

By betta ball I'm assuming you mean Marimo moss balls. They are like tiny filters but are not enough to keep the water completely clean. What actually keeps the water clean is the bacteria that will colonize your filter.

 

I dought you will you get an answer since I don't think anyone on here would use a 1/2 gallon container.

 

Unfortunately that heater is way too large. Also not sure if it would get hot enough to warp or melt the acrylic. I had bought the same one for a 3 gallon glass bowl but decided against it.

The trick is not buying aquarium kits. Here is how you could set up a 5 gallon for barely more than the half gallon:

5 gallon tank, bare - $15
sponge filter - >$5
small air pump - $5
25w heater - $15

Also if you use your tap water you will need a water conditioner to dechlorinate it.

By betta ball I'm assuming you mean Marimo moss balls. They are like tiny filters but are not enough to keep the water completely clean. What actually keeps the water clean is the bacteria that will colonize your filter.

OkaI imma need to figure out where you’re finding these prices because even on amazon they’re so expensive. I do live in CA so that might have something to do with it I’ll look into it

 

Aquariums cost so much to ship and because of the high rate of breaking, online they end up costing more than in store. Walmart has a plain 10 gallon for around $12 in their fish section. Also, check your local classifieds and ask your friends if they have a tank sitting around empty. So many people have old 10 gallons shoved in a garage or basement! A little elbow grease and you've got yourself a cheap or free tank.

Everything else will probably be cheaper online, but not always. It should not break the bank though. Kits are kind of a scam.

And depending on where you bought the current tank, they should take it back with little to no question if you do decide to go larger! It is a lot better and safer for your new friend to give him more space if you can.

 

OkaI imma need to figure out where you’re finding these prices because even on amazon they’re so expensive. I do live in CA so that might have something to do with it I’ll look into it

Is that California or Canada lol?

EDIT: Just realized it's because you're most likely looking online. I agree with shopping in person or checking out sites like Craigslist.

 

OkaI imma need to figure out where you’re finding these prices because even on amazon they’re so expensive. I do live in CA so that might have something to do with it I’ll look into it

If you mean Canada and not California you can find tanks for cheap. I bought my 29 gallon for around $40 from Big Al's. You just have to buy only the tank and not an overpriced kit as others have said.

 

1) Please take into consideration that the fish is a living thing, just like a dog. You need to provide it with the proper care so it can live its life to the fullest.
2) Nobody here is judging you, rather you should take the advice and listen to the people who have experience with aquariums.

 

You won't find one cheaper online. Go to the actual Walmart store and they will have an even cheaper 5 or 5.5 gallon. Online is expensive for tanks. After the tank . You'll need the 50W. . I'm hoping you already have Seachem Prime conditioner and betta pellets. And you'll need rocks (preferably uncolored so the paint doesn't flake off into the water). That's the basics. There's more after like cycling water, water chemicals, filter currents... But for now just please at least get him the basics before he dies.

 

I mean... I could keep a dog in a small cage and never let it out... It'd live but it would probably get sick a lot and be miserable... But I mean its fine in the tiny cage because its still alive right? And its bigger then the pet carrier the pervious owner kept it in. I wouldn't want to go into debt over a dog so I won't get a larger appropriately sized pen for it to run around in where it'll be happier and less likely to get sick.

I mean if you wouldn't do it to a dog why would you do it to any other living creature? Not saying you have to go all out but meeting its basic needs should be your priority, no?

 

Well... I would use the heater for the time being, and yes you have to re acclimate the fish! So take the little buddy out and put him in after an hour or so since its a small tank. Can you set the temp. on it or no?

also for cheaper fish supplies use ebay heres a cheap little heater I buy, buying 2 50w ones is like $11


check the seller's listings, theyre also very good with customer service.

I suggest using apps like Offerup, Letgo and 5mile for tanks. Ignore the prices because generally people will try to sell 10 gals for $40 but no ones gonna buy that so just throw a price out there, I usually say "$1 a gallon? So is $10 fair" or something a long those lines and itll work because the listing has been up there for months ans theyre just wanting to get rid of it. I got a 20 gal for $6, so that's my advice and hopefully itll work out for you. You will most likely have to pick them up but hey 20 gal for $6, Id drive 15 mins.

 

I mean... I could keep a dog in a small cage and never let it out... It'd live but it would probably get sick a lot and be miserable... But I mean its fine in the tiny cage because its still alive right? And its bigger then the pet carrier the pervious owner kept it in. I wouldn't want to go into debt over a dog so I won't get a larger appropriately sized pen for it to run around in where it'll be happier and less likely to get sick.

I mean if you wouldn't do it to a dog why would you do it to any other living creature? Not saying you have to go all out but meeting its basic needs should be your priority, no?

Do you think if I wasn’t concerned about meeting his basic needs I would have gone through the trouble of making an account on this forum to ask my questions? Of course I want to take care of him but I need to eat too so I’m not going to spend large amounts of money on a fish. Like I said, aquariums in california aren’t cheap, and again like I said when I can afford one I will get one. But I need answers as to how I can help the fish NOW not judgement on things that I have made clear cannot be immediately helped. Clearly I am no expert and I thought this would be a nice home for him. I posted this question in the beginners section for a reason.

Well... I would use the heater for the time being, and yes you have to re acclimate the fish! So take the little buddy out and put him in after an hour or so since its a small tank. Can you set the temp. on it or no?

also for cheaper fish supplies use ebay heres a cheap little heater I buy, buying 2 50w ones is like $11


check the seller's listings, theyre also very good with customer service.

I suggest using apps like Offerup, Letgo and 5mile for tanks. Ignore the prices because generally people will try to sell 10 gals for $40 but no ones gonna buy that so just throw a price out there, I usually say "$1 a gallon? So is $10 fair" or something a long those lines and itll work because the listing has been up there for months ans theyre just wanting to get rid of it. I got a 20 gal for $6, so that's my advice and hopefully itll work out for you. You will most likely have to pick them up but hey 20 gal for $6, Id drive 15 mins.

Thank you so much!!! No I can’t set the temp on it I turned it on (not in the tank) to see how hot it gets and it’s like the medium setting of a heat pad ‍♀️ I will definitely check out those sites, I do want him to be as healthy as possible. Thank you for your help!

 

Helpful would be linking me to where you’re finding these elusive $10 tanks

I got my five gallon tank, complete with filter, on Amazon, $18. Yeah, it's more than $10 (I think) but still a bargain. (I hope they still have it.)

I'll bet the heater you got would do the job.

I spent $40 on this tank, all the bigger ones were at least $20 more. Not very helpful, thanks

If you live in my area, I can turn you on to my LFS (local fish store). They have everything but silk plants, and everything is reasonably priced. Check my profile; send me a message if you're in this area.

 

Hello! I just became the lucky owner of a male dragon scale betta yesterday and after getting him all acclimated in his .5 gallon tank I realized my room is too drafty and cold for a tropical fish. I ran to the pet store and bought the ZooMed BettaTherm minI sized betta bowl heater but I have a few questions before using it and unfortunately nobody at the pet store could answer them. First I want to be sure that this heater will be okay for a .5 gallon tank as it’s advertised for a 1-3 gallon... reviews on amazon say it’s worked well for their .5 tank but I of course want to be sure. I also don’t quite know how to go about placing it. Should I just put it in under the gravel and let it heat up the tank with Mr. Angel Butt in there or should I take him out, heat the tank, then let him acclimate like you would first introducing them to the tank?View attachment 438245

You shouldn’t have him in a tank that is less than 5 Gallons, so definitely upgrade your tank then use the heater. A standard 8W heater will do just fine as well

 

Tank size has been well covered it really doesn’t need repeating over & over, let’s get back to the Op’s question, reminder below.

Hello! I just became the lucky owner of a male dragon scale betta yesterday and after getting him all acclimated in his .5 gallon tank I realized my room is too drafty and cold for a tropical fish.
I ran to the pet store and bought the ZooMed BettaTherm minI sized betta bowl heater but I have a few questions before using it and unfortunately nobody at the pet store could answer them.

First I want to be sure that this heater will be okay for a .5 gallon tank as it’s advertised for a 1-3 gallon... reviews on amazon say it’s worked well for their .5 tank but I of course want to be sure.
I also don’t quite know how to go about placing it. Should I just put it in under the gravel and let it heat up the tank with Mr. Angel Butt in there or should I take him out, heat the tank, then let him

 

Another potential option is to heat the room. Do you have a small room that you can keep at a tropical temperature?

 

The heater might overheat a tank that size, so another couple options are (like listed above) heating the room, or you could get a reptile heating pad and stick it on the back of the tank. I’ve done that with small qt tanks and it works fine.

Also, if its an aquarium heater, don't run it dry or plug it in when it’s not in water. That’s how you break them and get an electric shock (I know from experience lol)

 

Here's a suggestion get a plastic storage box in an appropriate size for the time being. They're cheap as chips and likely you already have one.
Then you can take a little more time finding a larger tank at a reasonable price.
0.5 gallons is really not enough space especially once you consider the volume lost to equipment etc.
I feel your pain in regard the price of things,I live in Ireland where everything is extortionatly expensive.
My 10 gallon was 50€ (60$)on special offer and that's the cheapest I could find hands down.but do keep an eye for 2nd hand ones you can get goid deals that way.
You could also get creative I found a 12liter candle hoder for 20€ that now gas a betta in it.
Just make sure it'll be safe to use without breaking.
That set up is working great for me. I added a small heater and an air stone for water circulation the filtration is done by the live plants in it.just remember a small tank leaves no margaine of error. Hope fully I'll do a how to in that in future. The only maintenance I do is top up evaporated water as the plants eat the toxins. I test regularly and I'm actually amazed by what a great job they do.
In the mean time get some pothos it's a Vineing house plant and put some of that in there it'll help with water quality.I use it in most of my tanks. You probably know someone you can give you some as it's a very common plant.
These are my betta tanks the plant growing out is pothos,the one that looks likes palm is dracanea.


One more thing I forgot to add.
You said you're getting marimo moss balls,they will help digest some toxins but not very many. It's a type of algae that grows very slowly to the time of .5cm a year.plants that grow faster need more food so bear that in mind

 

If you use that heater in that small of a surface space; while at work or sleeping you could quite literally fry your fish because there is no thermostat. They are intended for bowls; or tanks with larger surface areas. It’s getting warmer out, placing him in a warmer part of your home or on a window sill will keep him content.

 

Thank you, this is a helpful response. I will look into other tanks but unfortunately the cheapest 5 gallon I’ve been able to find is upwards of $60. I can see if my papa will help me build one soon. As far as filters go I will get one asap, for now I have some betta balls on the way, the pet store guy said that was the best way to keep a small tank clean.
If you have any answer for my original question; can I use this heater until I get the bigger tank and if so how do I introduce it?

Petco. Dollar per Gallon sale.

 

This is another option for a tank that is 2.5 gallons and comes with a filter, hood, and lights:
I had this tank when I first started and I used this heater:

It's not the greatest heater, however it's small so it won't take too much space away from the fish. You live in CA though and Luckyfish1 has a point in saying that if you put him in a warm part of your house then he'll be fine. Put an aquarium thermometer in so that you'll know what the temp is and if you can keep it at about 78 then you can save up money to get a heater for winter.

 

I've found that many people sell their old tanks online if they are moving or upgrading etc. I'm not sure where you are located, but places like Craigslist or KijijI often have smaller tanks for really good prices! Just make sure if you buy a tank online second-hand (or I guess even from the pet store...) to fill it in the bathtub and leave it for a day or so just to make sure there are no leaks! I think you can buy aquarium sealant too to reinforce the seals although I have never done this.

Best of luck with your betta!

 

I know you’re getting bombarded with advice so I’ll just post a few reasonable tanks I’ve found recently.

5 gallon Top Fin glass tank kit at PetSmart is 25% off right now. I got a 5 gallon kit for $29.99 with a hood with a light, a hang on back adjustable flow 10 gallon rated filter (needs an intake sponge at the end of the tube so the betta isn’t sucked up though), and a thermometer.


5.2 gallon Imagitarium acrylic aquarium kit at Petco is $31.99 on their website and they will price match it in store. It has an internal filter, and a hood with light.


The 50w Tetra preset heaters are $10-15 and while they’re not the most powerful, I’ve purchased several for $9.99 on Amazon if you keep an eye on the price. They weren’t listed last I saw but they were $12 at PetSmart as well.

A more expensive heater I love and buy now is the Aqueon Pro 50w adjustable and shatterproof. Around $25 though.

PetSmart also has frequent sales on their smaller betta targeted tank kits.

Petco’s $1 per gallon sale is also great. 10 gallon for $10, and glass hoods are $13 at PetSmart if you match the online price.

Also Petco and PetSmart match competitors and their own websites, and it’s 5% off PetSmart in store pick up if you order online. I’ve gotten a 20lb bag of gravel for $8 instead of $19.99 by Petco matching their website.

It’s hard to find the good deals, but I’ve done a lot of hunting and was in your same shoes when I originally came here (betta in an under-gravel filtered 1 gallon, looking for a heater and other help). If you are looking for anything else on the cheap ask me and I’ve probably found it. I’m a bargain hunter and an Amazon junkie. LOL

 

Honestly, that heater is no good. I mean, it works, but mine stopped working after a few weeks out of nowhere. The reviews online aren’t too good, either. Aqueon has much better heaters that you can put under the gravel or stick to the side of the tank. I would upgrade to a bigger tank, because a heater could take up too much room in a .5 gallon tank. Personally, I would let the tank heat up without your betta in it and then acclimate him. Good luck