Heater settings

by **Finnegin'sMom** on Thu Nov 04, 2010 2:55 pm

I have my Crown Betta in a 10 gal. tank with a 50 watt heater. The heater was pre-set to 76 degrees, but I've read that bettas are happier at higher temps. When I turned the dial to increase, the next setting was 79 degrees (it skipped 77 & 78). Is that a standard temp setting for tropical fish?

It seems that all the heat rises to the top, so when I touch the surface it seems very warm, but the deeper I submerse my finger the cooler the water gets (not "cool" but cooler than the water at the very top).

My heater is mounted horizontally on the back wall, about 3 inches above the tank bottom.

Anyway, was just curious of the 79 degrees is okay for him.

by **kizno1** on Thu Nov 04, 2010 3:31 pm

79 is ok but it would be better at 81-83. Some heaters do skip a few degrees it just depends on brand and style really. The heater should be at about a 45 degree angle otherwise ones its heated the water it rises up past the heater sensor and it scenes its the right temp so switches of again when its only really heated a little bit of water. Its also best to make sure you have a good current going past the filter so it heats more water not just the patch around where it is.

by **silverrabbit** on Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:17 pm

Yeah a good current from a filter outflow or bubble stone will help distribute the heat. My bettas are at 28/29 (about 83 F), they do prefer it warmer Smile

by **Finnegin'sMom** on Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:29 pm

Thanks for the replies! I will re-position the angle and see how it works. I'm so afraid of making it TOO warm and hurting the poor little guy...
The next setting is "82" ... do you think I should go upward or leave him a "79" (sorry...don't mean to be a pest or obsess about it... I'm just a kinda new "mom" and want the best for my 'boy'

by **kizno1** on Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:43 pm

I would move it up to 82 they do nest in warmer temps. At lower temps they will have a weaker immune system so more likely to get ill.

by **silverrabbit** on Thu Nov 04, 2010 7:30 pm

Agree with Kiz Very Happy

Heater settings

Heater settings

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