Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've heard mixed opinions on whether they need a heater. My tank stays around 72F, but I'm not sure if that's too cold for them. What's the ideal temp?

72F is definitely on the lower end. They thrive best at 78-82F. A heater is pretty much essential unless your room temp stays consistently in that range. What size tank are you using?

It's a 5-gallon tank. I'll look into getting a heater then. Thanks for the advice.

Yep, 78-82F is the sweet spot. I use a 50W adjustable heater in my 5-gallon, and it keeps the temp steady. Just make sure to get one with a thermostat.

Gonna echo what jake said. A good heater is a game-changer. My betta was super lethargic at 72F, but perked right up after I bumped it to 80F. Also, avoid those preset heaters, they're sketchy.

I'm so glad you're considering a heater! They really do need that warmth to stay healthy. My little guy was so much happier once I got one. It's worth the investment.

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.

jake wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 12:53 am Yep, 78-82F is the sweet spot. I use a 50W adjustable heater in my 5-gallon, and it keeps the temp steady. Just make sure to get one with a thermostat.

Agreed. Adjustable heaters are the way to go. The preset ones can be unreliable and sometimes overheat the tank.

I was in the same boat a few months ago. My betta was super sluggish, and I couldn't figure out why. Turns out the water was too cold. Got a heater, and now he's swimming around like a champ.

For optimal health, a heater is non-negotiable. They're tropical fish, so they need that warmth. A 5-gallon tank with a 50W heater should work perfectly. Just monitor the temp regularly.