new heater for my Betta

[kittybug]

I noticed the temp in my 5 gallon betta tank was fluctuating so i bought i new heater to go in the tank. My question is what temp should i set it at and if i just put it in and turn it on will the fish be affected if it gets warm too quickly?

 

[BeccaBlain]

Well, you need to put the heater IN the tank BEFORE you turn it on, or you will have a disaster on your hands.

80 degrees make bettas very very happy fish. They -love- when their water is a nice stable 80 degrees. Fluctuating water temps don't bother them a whole lot, as long as it stays within an acceptable range... and it doesn't drop TOO rapidly in a short period of time... keeping it between 75-82 degrees is definitely acceptable for Bettas. So, pop your heater in, and make certain it doesn't pop over 81 or 82 degrees... 80 is the prefered temperature. All three of my Betta do tricks for 80 degree water And blow bubblenests and make gestures of utter happiness.

Good luck!