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Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2025 8:53 pm
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.

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2025 9:26 pm
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.

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2025 10:37 pm
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.

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 12:20 am
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.

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 12:29 am
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.

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 2:01 am
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.

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 3:11 am
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.

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 3:49 am
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.

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 4:23 am
by raid
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna grab an adjustable heater and aim for 80F. Appreciate the help!

Re: Ideal temperature range for Betta fish

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 5:32 am
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.