Do Bettas need a heater

[Scripta]

I've got a 5-gallon too, and my heater keeps it at 80F. My betta seems way more active now. Before, he'd just kinda sit at the bottom. It's a night and day difference.

[luminari]

Yeah, 72F is way too chill for them. I've got a 10-gallon with a 100W heater, and it's perfect. Just watch the temp for the first few days to make sure it's stable.

Exactly. Stability is key. Sudden temp swings can stress them out, so a reliable heater is a must.

[paren]

Also, don't forget to acclimate them slowly if you're raising the temp. A sudden jump can shock them. I usually increase it by about 1-2 degrees per day until it's where it needs to be.

[jake]

Good point, paren. Gradual changes are always better. I use a digital thermometer to keep an eye on things. The stick-on ones can be kinda unreliable.

[oceanix7]

I'm so happy to see everyone helping out here! It's clear how much we all care about these little guys. They really do deserve the best care we can give them.

[brazon]

For real. It's wild how much of a difference a heater makes. My betta went from barely moving to zooming around like a little rocket. Totally worth the $20 or whatever.

[flurry]

Yep, and if you're worried about cost, there are plenty of affordable options out there. Just read reviews and avoid the super cheap ones. They tend to crap out fast.

[calida]

I got mine for like $15 on sale, and it's been working great for months. Just gotta do a bit of research first.

[jolyns]

Consistency is the most important thing. A stable temp means a happy, healthy betta. It's one of the easiest ways to improve their quality of life.

[Scripta]

Totally agree. It's such a simple fix, but it makes a huge difference. My betta's colors even got brighter after I added a heater.