Bettas and Temperature

Dan White wrote:
Hi. I last posted about what kind of small tank to get for my new betta. I
ended up with an Eclipse corner 5 tank (5 gal). I also picked up a 25 watt
heater as I was concerned about temp changes even though someone here said
his 3 gal didn't fluctuate at all. I guess the lfs guy talked me into it,
plus getting a heater seems the right thing to do anyway.

So, I hook everything up and find out that tank is running at about 83-84
degrees F. It was even this warm in the early morning before any lights
were on. I have to assume the motor is generating a lot of heat as the
apartment is only about 72. I know bettas like it warm (80?) but am I
getting into a problem with oxygen content and/or stress at this high a
temp? Also, if I want to put any other fish in there, I will have a problem
unless I get the temp down.

Oh, and the thermometer isn't even on. It was this warm before I put the
thermometer in.

Thanks for any input,
dwhite



Just to commiserate, my Eclipse two-light hood with Biowheel on a 15-gal
goldfish aquarium generates lots of heat. The aquarium rarely goes below
75 degrees F and in summer can get way to hot (90 F plus). I've removed
the heater from this tank.

In summer, I used to prop up the front lid with some plastic bits, but
the cats like it on top of the aquarium and broke the hood hinges and
lamp attachments. The Eclipse hood's been fixed with screws and a bit of
wood, and I drilled quite a few 1/4 inch ventilation holes in the
vertical sides of the hood to help with cooling.

My Eclipse generates quite a strong current, which I minimize by
directing the water outflow towards an aquarium side.

How's the water flow on the 5 gal "corner" tank? Any concern that it's
strong for a Betta?

Steve