Temperature fluxuation question

[Meaile]

I have my 5.5 gal Betta tank all set up with a 50w heater. It has been going from 81 in the day to 78 at night. Is this too much fluxuation for my future Betta?

 

[Meredith]

I would say that isn't too much of a temp swing, but I personally would want it more stable. What kind of heater do you have?

 

[Meaile]

Its a Tetra 5-15 submersible. I also have a 50W I bought from Big-Als (Big-Als brand). I would think the Tetra would work better but I haven't tried the other.

 

[greenmaji]

What is the temperature set at on the heater? You could always try your other heater of course..

 

[Meaile]

It doesn't have a number. It has a skinny line to thick line and a triangle, I'm guessing, for where "its supposto be". I'll wait a couple days and see if it keeps up doing that and try the cheap heater if it does.

Oh, and I figured out the water surface issue. I stuck a small piece of floating driftwood laying corner to corner in the tank so half has surface movement and half is perfectly still

 

[beblondie]

4 degree swing is fine it actually simultes natural conitions -Anne

 

[greenmaji]

keeping peramiters stable keep your fish alive...

 

[Devilishturtles]

4 degree swing is fine it actually simultes natural conitions -Anne

I agree. It doesn't drop drastically, and occurs over 24 hours. While it isn't ideal, I wouldn't worry too too much about it.