Betta fish are a popular pet these days. They have been bred in captivity for hundreds of years and they come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. The question on most people’s minds is whether or not the betta can live in cold water – but that isn’t always an easy answer to give! In this post, we will explore how to care for your betta fish while making sure it has proper living conditions.
No, betta fish cannot live in cold water. They originate from the warm tropical regions of Asia and they need to be kept between 76°F (24°C) and 80°F (27°C).
Since the perfect temperature is higher than room temperature, you will need to find a way to heat the water.
There are several ways that you can go about this. The simplest idea is just to use an aquarium heater and set it up in your betta’s tank! These heaters usually come with their own thermostats so they shouldn’t overheat or underheat the water, but if yours doesn’t have one, you should pick some up at the pet store before bringing it home.
What is the Best Water Temperature for Betta Fish?
The best water temperature for betta fish is around 77°F (25°C). This should be the goal when your heater isn’t on, but it can vary a bit. The acceptable range is 65°F to 90°F, but try to keep it in the middle of these two numbers.
Why Can’t I Keep Betta Fish in Cold Water?
Keeping a betta fish in cold water is dangerous and can even kill your fish! In fact, it can result in your betta having a seizure.
In colder temperatures, their metabolism slows down significantly so they don’t need as much oxygen in order to survive – which means that there could be an abundance of carbon dioxide in cold waters!
This can cause a lot of stress for your fish because when this happens, he or she might try to gulp air from the top instead of going up for air at normal intervals like usual. That’s why you shouldn’t keep them in cold water.
Also, if the water is not warm enough, your betta will be more lethargic and it may refuse to eat. But this is not the end of the problems…
In fact, cold water can also cause digestive issues and slow the immune response, which both contribute to a range of diseases. This means that if you keep your betta in cold water, he or she will be more susceptible to disease.
How Do I Know if My Betta Fish is Cold?
The easiest way for most people to measure their aquarium temperatures is with a simple thermometer placed inside of the tank. You can find these at any pet store and they are relatively inexpensive – usually around $15-20 dollars.
However, what if the thermometer stops working one day? This is why you should always look for signs of how your betta is behaving.
Cold betta fish are lethargic and may have a bloated stomach. If you notice these signs, your betta might be cold! They can also lose some of their famous color, so be on the lookout for that.
FAQ
How cold is too cold for a betta fish?
Under 65°F is certainly too cold for a betta fish. Try to keep the water temperature around 77°F if you want your betta to be happy and healthy.
My betta is still lethargic after heating the water?
If your betta is not showing any signs of improvement within a day of being given warmer water, you should probably take him or her to a fish vet.
What happens if water is too cold for betta fish?
If the water is too cold, your betta fish will become lethargic and refuse to eat. They may also lose color – but this can be hard to notice if they are dark-colored or not very colorful in general. Your betta will also find it harder to fight disease, which can result in death.
How do I make sure my betta’s water temperature never gets too hot?
Stop that from happening by purchasing an aquarium heater with a built-in thermostat! These tend to be pretty cheap at most pet stores.
Do all types of bettas need heated tanks?
Yes, all types of betta fish require warm waters between 76°F (24°C) and 80°F (27°C). It’s almost impossible to make the water this exact temperature without using a heater with a thermostat.
How long can betta fish live in cold water?
Betta fish can survive in cold water for a short period of time, but it certainly isn’t good for their health. 1-2 weeks is likely the sad answer here.
How do I know if my bettas’ tank needs to be heated?
The easiest way to see how warm your aquarium’s temperature is by using a thermometer inside of the tank. If you notice that your betta fish is lethargic, has a bloated stomach or refuses to eat for an extended period of time, he or she may be in cold water.
Can I put my betta outside during the summer?
No! Betta fish must always live inside because it’s too dangerous – even if there is a heater and filter running outside. The temperature can change so much throughout the day that your betta could die very quickly from being exposed to such extremes.
Can betta fish live without a heater?
Betta fish can survive without a heater, but it’s not good for their health. They will likely die within weeks due to disease or other problems that arise from cold water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, betta fish must live inside and be kept in warm water. They will become lethargic, lose color and die if the water is too cold for them!
This is why it’s so important to monitor the temperature of the water and make sure it’s around 77°F at all times.
If you find the water is too cold, then you should buy a heater right away!
