Hey there guys, long time no talk!

Chauncey Huffcat, the crowntail, is doing quite well. But tonight when I went to check the water params, I noticed that the thermometer was at 91 degrees F!!!

I usually keep his tank at 80, so this is quite a difference. The weather here has been unseasonably warm, it was 65 degrees here last week and the last two days it has been close to 90, so I am sure that has something to do with it. I have a mini-Hydor heater in there that has always kept steady at 80, so I am more apt to blame the utside tem[ than the heater. It has no thermostat though, which is why I check the temp frequently.

He seems to be fine though, and in fact, blew me his second bubble nest ever tonight...so he can't be too bad off! I have unplugged the heater for now, hoping to get it down to 80 slowly, but let me know if you think 90 is safe, otherwise I will have to be even more vigilant about monitoring the temp.

Thanks guys, I don't know where Chauncey would be without ya!

Wow, 90 is high! I *think* 85 is the highest the temp should be. I am not totally sure though.

I have always heard 75-82 for the temp range for a betta, preferable closer to the 75 end.

Those little heaters without thermostats are maily designed to heat the water up 3-5 degrees from whatever it normally stays at. I think since the room temp is higher, it makes the normal water temp higher and when you add the little heater doing it's job you get too much heat for Mr. Huffcat.

Keep us posted!

Thanks guys, I was pretty sure that was too high!

I unplugged the heater last night and the water has maintained at 80 all day, so I will just keep a close eye on it. The bonus is that I don't have to wait for the water to heat up when I do water changes!

Lady, you are exactly right about what that heater is supposed to do-which was perfect for what I was trying to do-until the heat wave came on! My water stayed at 72ish, and with the heater it went to 80, so it was perfect for the colder months.

Thanks for the advice guys! :-)

I am glad that we got you all sorted out.