New here-- Having a problem with mini heater

[LeeJC]

Hi All, I'm completely new to owning fish. I got a betta about 6 weeks ago and everything is going great. My betta is in a 3.5 gallon tank with low-flow under-gravel filter, LED lights and plants.

I kept reading that I needed a heater. So I got one. I turned it on yesterday for the first time and I think I almost killed my fish. He was just laying there after several hours of having the heater on. I unplugged it and he was fine this morning. I guess I need a thermometer? Shouldn't the mini heater self regulate temperature?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[rlederer]

Read the directions that came with the heater. Some are set for a certain temperature and others have to be set.

 

[Paradise fish]

Most "mini heaters" don't have a internal temperature regulator and are just set to be on 24/7. This means that if you have too strong of a heater it'll literally cook your fish. I recommend a high quality heater with adjustable temperature, like ones by Cobalt. I believe they're called Cobalt Neo-Therm heater. They're more expensive, but way more reliable.

 

[LeeJC]

Thank you for responses!

I appreciate your help. I think you're both right about this heater. There is no place to set temp. You would think it would have an auto shut-off at 80 degrees or something. I went ahead and ordered a thermometer today. I think my next purchase will be a good heater! Thanks again.?

 

[LeeJC]

Update: I ordered a 25 watt Cobalt heater with a temp control on it. I'm just afraid with winter coming my Betta will get too cold. I will monitor temp with thermometer. Any suggestions on temp setting? I'm thinking 78. Thanks.

 

[Paradise fish]

Sweet! Tell me how you like the heater!

I think 78 will be fine. I do think you should change the temperature over the year though. Like, during winter bit lower and during summer keep it higher.

 

[LeeJC]

Thank you...I'll let you know how it works.