How To Re-introduce Betta To New Heater

The heater broke on my 10 gallon tank (my fault) so I got a new one shipped to me. Took almost over a week. So he's been in his tank with no heater. Apartment is usually 77/78 degrees. Maybe a bit colder. I've noticed he's extremely sensitive to temperature change. It's a preset heater and I know it takes a while for the tank to reach the proper temperature. I'm guessing I can't just stick him in because the change in temperature might shock him. So I was planning on putting him in a bag or cup to acclimate him to the tank just like you do when its new. So I guess my question is, since it takes a while for the heater to reach the ideal temperature, when can I start acclimating him to the tank? Can I do it right away or wait until the water reaches its ideal temperature? How long will that take and how long should he sit in the bag or cup before dumping him in the tank?

 

Put it in there and slowly raise the temperature to desired temperature.

 

Put it in there and slowly raise the temperature to desired temperature.

it's a preset heater

Someone told me that the preset heaters gradually warm up the water and turn on and off to avoid killing fish. So just adding the heater with him in it wouldn't be an issue. But if I didn't like that method, I can pull him out place him in a separate container, allow the heater to do its job, and put the container in the water enough to allow his water temp to gradually warm and not harm him, before releasing him into the tank. Much like they tell you to do when you bring new fish home. But I just want to know how long it takes for these heaters to do its job.

 

Either way he has to get acclimated to temp. In the tank would probably be slower and better than a 20 minute float. The heatet will not instantly heat 10 gallons of water it will take hours. Personally I would let him in there, put the heater in and plug it in.

 

thank you!

 

I agree with connidavid..just put the heater in, don't worry about taking the fish out.

 

First throw the heater in the trash and buy a good heater tgat isn't preset.

Then put the new heater in the tank, turn it up or down to the tanks temp. Turn it up a few degrees a day until you're at the temp you want.

This is very conservative, my fish I'd probably just put the heater in and set it to the temp I want. The tank will heat slowly enough he should adjust.

 

Do you know what temperature the heater is preset to? Add the heater when the room is naturally that temperature. If you don't know what it's preset to, (it's usually 78F) but add the heater during the hottest part of the day and it'll only turn on once the temperature starts to drop.

 

By the way...what wattage is the heater you are going to get? I wouldn't get anything less than 75w.
TwoHedWlf is right about getting an adjustable heater. They are more reliable and accurate.

 

78 degrees is what its preset to and its 50 watt. It came with my aquarium. I'll get an adjustable one when I have the money. I spent $80 on this tank. Along with aquarium necessities. And the fun stuff like decorations. It's cost me quite a bit of money. Wish they gave me an appropriate heater and thermometer for my kit.

 

The 50w will suffice for now.
Don't get upset about the heater you got with the kit. With most kits, you normally get the cheapest stuff that comes with it. Most people get started with kits, and usually upgrade equipment as they get deeper into the hobby (which doesn't take long). Plus in some ways they are good for people who aren't sure if they will stay with the hobby, and they don't have to spend a lot of money getting started. I promise you that 80$ is not a lot of money for this hobby. Some people have that just in two or three fish, and food.
Once you are hooked, you will spend hundreds of dollars of dollars on your tank, and fish, probably a heck of a lot more.

 

78 degrees is what its preset to and its 50 watt. It came with my aquarium. I'll get an adjustable one when I have the money. I spent $80 on this tank. Along with aquarium necessities. And the fun stuff like decorations. It's cost me quite a bit of money. Wish they gave me an appropriate heater and thermometer for my kit.

lol. $80 is just my fish food for 1 month if we are talking USD. Just put the heater in there and let it work its magic.

 

The aquarium alone is $80. It's definitely been over $100 in total. I only have one fish for now. I've yet to decide on a tank mate. He's in the aquarium with the new heater in. So far so good.

 

The aquarium alone is $80. It's definitely been over $100 in total. I only have one fish for now. I've yet to decide on a tank mate. He's in the aquarium with the new heater in. So far so good.

you can get some female guppies or a couple snails. I'd get something not to colourful as it may be mistaken as another betta. $100 can't even buy most of my buddies

 

The aquarium alone is $80. It's definitely been over $100 in total. I only have one fish for now. I've yet to decide on a tank mate. He's in the aquarium with the new heater in. So far so good.

Quite a bit of money...$100, spent more than that on a single fish several times.