breeding betta fish without a heater

[zenflux]

Honestly, I think you're in over your head here. Breeding bettas without a heater is a huge no-no, and to be honest, having bettas without a heater is just not right. Have you even done your research on this? Do you have any idea how many babies you'll end up with if you're successful? I mean, we're talking dozens, maybe even hundreds. Do you have the tanks to accommodate all of them? Can you afford the special food, meds, and care they'll need as they grow? And what about selling them all? Do you have a plan for that?

I'm starting to think that backyard breeding is a huge problem, not just with fish, but with all animals. It's causing so much unnecessary suffering and death. Breeding should be left to the experts, not just anyone who can throw a male and female together.

What kind of bettas are you even working with here? If they're VTs, good luck selling them - they're a dime a dozen these days.

[Finleya]

Here's my two cents. I know I'm not an expert on breeding, but I do have some concerns. First off, I think it's a bad idea to keep the female in a container without a heater and then suddenly transfer her to a tank that's 78 degrees. That's just asking for trouble - they need to be in the same water temperature or they'll go into shock.

Honestly, I think you should just enjoy your bettas the way they are. Breeding is a huge responsibility, and you need to be prepared for the consequences. I mean, do you have homes lined up for the babies? Have you done your research? I'm not trying to be harsh, but I just don't think you're ready for this.

I went to the pet store last night and rescued another poor betta who was stuck in one of those tiny plastic cups. It's heartbreaking to see these beautiful fish treated like that. And that's exactly why I don't think you should breed them - you're not doing it for the right reasons. The pros breed fish because they're passionate about it, and they want to create beautiful fish for people who love them. But when people like you start breeding without knowing what they're doing, it's just a recipe for disaster.

I'm proud to be able to give some of these neglected fish a happy home, and I just wish more people would think about the welfare of the animals before they start breeding. It's not just about having a new hobby - it's about being responsible for the lives of these beautiful creatures.

[silkroad]

In answer to your original question: you really need a heater. I mean, it's not just about the temperature being okay for the betta, but also about the eggs hatching and the fry growing. If you want to breed bettas, you gotta do it right. 74 degrees just isn't gonna cut it. You need to get that temperature up to at least 78, and even then, it's a bit of a gamble. I'm not trying to be harsh, but you gotta think about the well-being of the fish. Breeding is a big responsibility, and if you're not prepared, you're gonna end up with a lot of dead fish on your hands. So, yeah, get a heater.

[zenitora]

You don't necessarily need a heater in the tank if you can maintain a consistent warm temperature in the house, like around 84 degrees F.

[hazelite]

I've tried my hand at breeding without a heater, and here's what I found out. If you're not serious about breeding, I still wouldn't recommend skipping out on a heater to save a buck.

I had some success with my super red plakats - they spawned in under 24 hours in water that was around 74-76 degrees, which is just the normal temp in my room. I got a decent batch of fry, over 700 of them, and they're doing alright now, about 9 days in. I do think they grow faster in warmer temps, but it's doable without a heater if you've got your bettas properly conditioned - they'll spawn in the temp they're used to, no problem.