Boy Am I In Trouble

[Better is Betta]

Its getting on to winter here in the tropics and normally we don't get too many cold days lower than 17c. In the three years I've kept bettas I have never worried about heaters. I have 13 tanks out side all sitting together on a large table and guess what the temperature fell to 12c this morning. The bettas seem ok except for 2, they aren't looking good at all. I can't rush out and buy 13 heaters as I'm not that financially well off and the chances of having cold winters again are rare. Anyone got any ideas on another solution besides heaters. I have no room inside to put them because I have 3 large fish tanks taking up all the space available.

 

[seizethecupcake]

I've no idea, I'm sorry I hope you can figure something out.

 

[3fsh]

Normally, I hate incandescent lights, but they put off a lot of heat. If you can buy some cheap shop lights to put over them during the day, it should help quite a bit.

These are the kind I'm talking about... cheap shop lights

Even if you only used 1 light for every two tanks it would make a difference.

 

[Better is Betta]

Yes I was thinking of lights but they could turn out to be more expensive than the heaters especially over here and there is no where I can hook them up. Thanks for your input any more ideas anyone can come up with would be much appreciated......starting to fret

 

[Baccus]

I am not really sure if it would be feasible or even really safe but I was thinking you could get one of those dog electric blankets/ mats and put the tanks on it to try and keep them warm. I am sure that these blankets would have to be pretty durable to withstand what dogs can and will do to them. Just an idea other wise maybe try and insualte the tanks some how ie. styrofoam boxes, but you would have to get the tanks to optimum temp first and probably have to rewarm them every day or evening depending on how cold the day has been.

Do you have an outside hot water system? (on the ground not the roof) becase they can pump out a fair bit of warmth around them and if you could put your tanks on or near it, it might keep the tanks a bit warmer.

 

[Better is Betta]

All great ideas everyone.....I covered them up last night with a blanket just to keep any cold breeze off. This morning the temperature was a lot higher around 18c and the bettas seemed ok still eating and swimming around. The one that seemed off colour I brought inside and placed him on the floor. I might go with the light idea and blanket, thanks again for your input