What's The Best Heater?

Hello! I have a 5 gallon betta tank with a 10 watt heater. My fish has been doing fine, but according to the thermometer the temperature is way too low. I found a $9 heater on amazon that is 50 watts. It's much cheaper than the other 25 watt heaters, so I think this is the one my parents are most inclined to get me. Would 50 watts be okay?

This is the heater:

 

Those are OK, I think they tend to die relatively quickly though. I’d suggest getting an adjustable heater so you can get it to around 80F.

 

I have that same heater in my 1 gallon, but it can’t seem to keep up in my 3 gallon temporary tank. But I have the Aqueon 50 W Pro heater, (that’s shatterproof) in my 5 gallon and that one works great. It’s expensive but it’s adjustable and should last a long time. I’m waiting for it to go back down to $21 from $25 and was going to order another.

 

I have a couple of Marineland heater that are adjustable but they suck because they didn’t think to actually put the numbers on it so you have mess with it until you get the right temp so avoid those. Just got the Aqueon Pro and it’s fantastic. Highly recommend.

 

I prefer my AquaNeat heaters.

 

Ok, thank you!

 

I asked my dad about it, and he said if the heater is too powerful it could potentially overheat the tank. Is that possible? Would 25 watts be safer? I'd rather go on the safe side and get a less powerful heater, as my betta is doing completely fine despite the lower temperature.

This is the 25 watt that has best reviews:

 

I think aqueon pro and it’s in a 5g, no problems. Pretty sure it’s a 50. It *could overheat, but so can a 25. I really don’t think it’d be that much of problem. And 50 is more likely to help it remain at the temp you want it.

 

Ok, so it's just better to go with the 50? If it overheats, how long can the betta survive in too-hot water? I have school, so I can't always catch it. If it does overheat, will my fish be able to survive 7-8 hours before I get back and take it out?

 

Aqueon says 50 watt is rated for 5-10 gallons. I hope someone else can answer your specific questions about overheating, but I just have a digital thermometer in each tank and keep an eye on it.

If you read reviews of the lower watt ones on Amazon, you’ll see several of them say the heater’s thermostat stopped working and cooked their fish. So it could happen with any wattage I believe...I just went with one that I thought I could count on.

 

Considering bettas live in 80F I think they could survive for a short while I the 90’s, so I think he’d be ok until you got back.

 

Oh, ok! I'll just go with a 50 watt then, as it seems most reliable.