Yes, bettas need a heater. Betta fish are native to Southeast Asia, which means they need warm water to maintain a healthy appetite and metabolism. Bettas thrive best at 75–80°F (23.5–26.5°C).
In order to keep these temperatures in your tank, you’ll need an adjustable heater. A heater raises the water temperature of the tank, and keeps the water temperature stable.
The best aquarium heater for your betta tank will depend on the tank’s size and water conditions.
To make sure your heater in your betta tank is working, check the water temperature regularly. If the water is too cold, your betta fish might act strangely or show signs of being sick:
- Slow swimming and low activity
- A lot of time spent resting at the bottom of the tank
- Unusual behavior, like ignoring food or not reacting to toys
- Frequent sickness
If the water is too warm, you might notice these signs:
- Quick breathing
- Unnatural or jerky swimming
- A lot of time spent at the surface
