Sort Of Urgent: Heaterless Betta Help!

An online friend contacted me yesterday, excited to share their new Betta. However, there was just one problem: they were planning on putting the fish in a 0.7 gallon, heatless and filterless Betta bowl they got as a present from relatives.

We've talked and they'll be getting a real tank with a filter and heater as soon as they can, but the fish will need to stay in the bowl until they save up enough and have the time to go buy. The fish is still sitting in his little cup, and will be acclimated once this friend gets home from their party. I've given them proper acclimation steps, they have water conditioner, and I've advised sizeable daily water changes to keep the ammonia down for now.

The problem now, is that there is no heater. They tell me their house is kept at 70-72F, and that their parents won't let them touch the thermostat. They have no heating pads, and the best they can do in terms of insulation is throwing a towel over the bowl. I've asked if they could drop by the pet store on their way home from school sometime and get a heater, but they seem very busy and they already have gravel and decorations, I'd hate to take up more of the Betta's space in that tiny thing.

What should I do? Will the Betta be alright in such a low temperature for a week or two, provided it doesn't fluctuate?

 

It should be fine, people keep bettas in room temperature water all the time and they last awhile. Ideally there should be a heater/ filter to extend their life and help them live more comfortably.

So your friends betta should be fine for a week or 2 in room temp water, as long as he does those water changes. This is my opinion and someone may have a way of heating the bowl short time as well.

I wish you friend good luck with their betta!

 

I would find that quite nerve wracking. Do they have a thermometer? It's tough to tell how much the temperature is fluctuating without a thermometer.

Perhaps they could put the fish near an electronic device that puts off heat? Maybe a lamp?

 

I keep my betta at room temperature, but my apartment stays pretty hot. Tank thermometer normally reads 79 F. It can drop down to 72 when I crack the window open. I think mine enjoys the cooldown period. So no, I don't think room temperature is necessarily a bad thing. As far as everything else, I'll let others answer that.

Also, I think throwing a towl over the bowl is a terrible idea.

 

My last two bettas were kept filterless and heaterless and they both lasted about 4 years (but I didn't pay for heat back then and I kept my apt around 78 ).
As long as they're good about water changes and it doesn't go below 72, I'd say they're pretty okay.
But I would recommend a watertesting kit with frequent tests to make sure they're creating a food change schedule that works based on quantitative data and not just "when it *seems* like it's time".

The fact that they are committed to better equipment in the near future is promising.
I think most of us start with that frugally housed betta before we learn a thing or two.

 

I would find that quite nerve wracking. Do they have a thermometer? It's tough to tell how much the temperature is fluctuating without a thermometer.

Perhaps they could put the fish near an electronic device that puts off heat? Maybe a lamp?

They were thinking of putting it near the vent, but vents usually go on and off throughout the day, so the fluctuations would be crazy.

 

A lamp would probably be best in my opinion

 

I don't think it would kill the betta but it definitely won't be comfortable and can lead to disease if it's a long time that he has to be in that cold water. A 0.7 gallon tank usually won't be able to maintain a stable temperature with a heater so he would need to get one with the tank upgrade. Just make sure your friend gets him a better tank ASAP.
I have no idea how this got posted twice

 

Remember fluctuations are the most hurtful. If the betta is to be unfiltered, and unheated, I would say try and keep the bettas temp the same. 72 should be just fine. Wholesalers and LFS alike keep bettas in room temp.

As for filtration that's a bit tricky, but you could suggest a tote, or bin that is larger. If you keep feeding to a minimum there won't be excess ammonia, and waste is dependant on what the OWNER puts in the tank. IE if I don't feed my Am. Cichlid tank over vacation, I simply don't worry about ammonia.

My betta ate 3-4 pellets 1-2 times per day. Figure... 6 per day, 42 pellets per week. In a 5-15g tote that's still not enough to surpass ammonia over 1.5 ammonia (PPM) at most 1-2 waterchanges every week or two is needed.

If you suggest keeping near an appliance think of this. Heat is simply measured by watts. 1 watt = heat. Thus the more watts the better. If possibly keeping it near a power converter from a laptop that stays plugged in isn't a bad idea, BUT don't use a lamp. Lamps get turned off at night (and should to provide rest for betta) and the temperature would fluctuate and be worse than being warm at day.

 

+1 to above, use whatever constant heat source he can find. It shouldn't be an issue short term to be living in cold water but make sure he does daily or every other day water changes.

 

Also, I prefer drop and plop. As long as the water temps are the same. Never had any issues with any fragile fish. (Granted the betta cups can be awfully bad)

Ps the larger tote/bin would help with temp fluctuations