How long before determining a heater isn't working/strong enough?

We have a 3.5 gallon tank with 1 betta in it. It has a filter and was cycling before the beta was added. I added this 7.5 watt heater to it based on the reviews.

The heater has been in the tank and continuously plugged in for several days now (4?) and the thermometer hasn't been able to get above 77.9. I now have a second thermometer in the tank closer to the surface and it is reading 76.8.

Also should note that I live in Canada....so it's cold here.

I've read so many mixed reviews about heaters making small tanks TOO hot but now I have this heater and it doesn't seem to be hot enough. I don't know what to do.

Any recommendations? Ideas? Also keeping in mind I am Canada so don't always have access to exactly the same products.

 

This says that Betta temp should be 74-79 degrees so I think 76 should be fine
Keeping a Better Betta Fish Aquarium | Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine

 

I presume this is a non-adjustable heater. What temperature is it supposed to be auto-set?

It is almost 78. Breeding temperatures are higher than this, but he will live fine at this temp.

 

Getting a second thermometer is a smart choice.
The temperature is fine for the Betta at this time. With that being said, the heater you have most likely will struggle if the ambient temperature will fall (I guess in Canada it will be colder in January), and it may burn out faster.
Maybe you should order an adjustable heater and switch? It is always good to have a backup, specifically as the temperature in that little tank will drop like a stone in the case of heater failure. If you are concerned regarding overheating, there are power interrupters that are driven by a temperature gauge.
The opinions regarding heaters is varied. I have the cobalt neotherm. It does not shatter and worked well in my 5gl.
I am sure other members will provide additional information.

 

This says that Betta temp should be 74-79 degrees so I think 76 should be fine
Keeping a Better Betta Fish Aquarium | Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine

I disagree respectfully. 77-80 F is where they thrive. Outside of that range they are just surviving IMO and IME. below 76 is too cold.

We have a 3.5 gallon tank with 1 betta in it. It has a filter and was cycling before the beta was added. I added this 7.5 watt heater to it based on the reviews.


The heater has been in the tank and continuously plugged in for several days now (4?) and the thermometer hasn't been able to get above 77.9. I now have a second thermometer in the tank closer to the surface and it is reading 76.8.

Also should note that I live in Canada....so it's cold here.

I've read so many mixed reviews about heaters making small tanks TOO hot but now I have this heater and it doesn't seem to be hot enough. I don't know what to do.

Any recommendations? Ideas? Also keeping in mind I am Canada so don't always have access to exactly the same products.

Welcome to the forum!! Since it is close to 77F, it should be fine. If the temp slowly drops getting another heater MIGHT be the solution but for now, it's fine.

 

Getting a second thermometer is a smart choice.
The temperature is fine for the Betta at this time. With that being said, the heater you have most likely will struggle if the ambient temperature will fall (I guess in Canada it will be colder in January), and it may burn out faster.
Maybe you should order an adjustable heater and switch? It is always good to have a backup, specifically as the temperature in that little tank will drop like a stone in the case of heater failure. If you are concerned regarding overheating, there are power interrupters that are driven by a temperature gauge.
The opinions regarding heaters is varied. I have the cobalt neotherm. It does not shatter and worked well in my 5gl.
I am sure other members will provide additional information.

I'm definitely not opposed to ordering another heater. I want this guy to be comfortable and happy (and active).

You are correct that it will get colder here, of course we have heat in our house but still it's chilly.

This Betta is new so it's difficult to determine what is just him adjusting to his new home and what is him having difficulty with unsavoury tank conditions.

He spends nearly all his time at the top of the tank in the back corner. He has plenty of plants and places to hide, we have tested the water and the ammonia is 0, today he ate when fed this morning.

So at this point I am wondering if a cozier temperature would encourage him to wander around a little bit.

 

I'm definitely not opposed to ordering another heater. I want this guy to be comfortable and happy (and active).

You are correct that it will get colder here, of course we have heat in our house but still it's chilly.

This Betta is new so it's difficult to determine what is just him adjusting to his new home and what is him having difficulty with unsavoury tank conditions.

He spends nearly all his time at the top of the tank in the back corner. He has plenty of plants and places to hide, we have tested the water and the ammonia is 0, today he ate when fed this morning.

So at this point I am wondering if a cozier temperature would encourage him to wander around a little bit.

Hanging out at the top is good, if he has a hammock or other means of resting, that will help. He may need more time to adjust, but if he is a bit on the chilly side any additional warmth will make him a bit more comfortable. If you have bright lights, you may want to dim those a bit.
As it gets colder at night I wrapped my betta tank into a blanket, it helped a bit.

 

Could it be it needs calibrating ?

 

Could it be it needs calibrating ?

Good point, I was not aware that it is possible to calibrate these little preset heaters.

 

Good point, I was not aware that it is possible to calibrate these little preset heaters.

Not sure

 

OK thanks! Just got back from our fish store and purchased a new heater that you can adjust. The temperature is already above 78 in the tank and he is HAPPY. zipping around and exploring his home more than he ever has....this makes me happy! Now to monitor to make sure it doesn't get too hot.