Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

The sub forum dedicated to one of the most incredible fish in our hobby. Betta ask your questions in here!
User avatar
raid
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:19 am

Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by raid »

What's the best temp range for bettas? My tank's at 76F but I've heard mixed things. Gonna upgrade my heater soon, just wanna make sure I'm not stressing them out.
User avatar
limer
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu May 05, 2022 11:05 pm

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by limer »

76F is a bit low. They thrive at 78-82F. Lower temps slow their metabolism, making them prone to illness. What heater are you using? A adjustable one is best, so you can dial it in.
User avatar
techy
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Jun 21, 2023 6:48 pm

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by techy »

raid wrote: Tue Jun 10, 2025 8:53 pm What's the best temp range for bettas? My tank's at 76F but I've heard mixed things. Gonna upgrade my heater soon, just wanna make sure I'm not stressing them out.
Yep, 76F is sketchy. I keep mine at 80F with a Fluval M50. Stable temps are key, so avoid cheap heaters that fluctuate. Also, check your tank size—undersized heaters struggle.
User avatar
oceanview
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:28 am

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by oceanview »

My dude chills at 79F, seems happy. Had him at 75F before and he was super sluggish. Bumped it up and now he's active, even flares at his reflection lol.
User avatar
Flynest
Posts: 17
Joined: Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:31 pm

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by Flynest »

limer wrote: Tue Jun 10, 2025 9:26 pm 76F is a bit low. They thrive at 78-82F. Lower temps slow their metabolism, making them prone to illness. What heater are you using? A adjustable one is best, so you can dial it in.
Agreed. I've seen bettas recover from fin rot just by raising the temp to 80F. Also, avoid placing the tank near drafts or AC vents.
User avatar
Rustic
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 11:05 pm

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by Rustic »

78-80F is the sweet spot. Had a betta years ago in an unheated tank—didn't last long. Now I use an Eheim Jager, keeps it steady at 79F. Worth the investment.
User avatar
luminx
Posts: 29
Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2022 10:27 pm

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by luminx »

So 76F is too cold? I've had mine at that for weeks. He eats fine but kinda just floats around. Gonna try raising it slowly.
User avatar
techy
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Jun 21, 2023 6:48 pm

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by techy »

luminx wrote: Wed Jun 11, 2025 3:11 am So 76F is too cold? I've had mine at that for weeks. He eats fine but kinda just floats around. Gonna try raising it slowly.
Yeah, floating's a red flag. Raise it by 1-2F per day to avoid shock. What's your tank size? Smaller tanks heat faster but also cool faster.
User avatar
raid
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:19 am

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by raid »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna grab an adjustable heater and aim for 80F. Appreciate the help!
User avatar
limer
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu May 05, 2022 11:05 pm

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Post by limer »

raid wrote: Wed Jun 11, 2025 4:23 am Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna grab an adjustable heater and aim for 80F. Appreciate the help!
Smart move. Let us know how it goes. Also, keep an eye on their behavior—active and colorful means you're golden.
Post Reply