Betta Temperature

Question
Hello :)
I bought a betta fish about 4 months ago and I have a few questions. I keep my handsome betta in a 1-gallon tank with 2 fake "betta plants" and about a half inch of gravel at the bottom, and change his water about once a week. I'm having trouble keeping his temperature up and stable (the overhead light doesn't seem to be working, and my heater needs to be plugged in/out every few hours). On the hotter, summer days, the temperature of the water soars to over 80F. How can I keep his water temperature stable?

Answer
Jaycee,

First off his tank is way too small. He needs to be in a tank no smaller than 2.5 gallons. What do you mean it have to be plugged in and out every few hours? If the heater you have does not get him to optimal heat, then I would get another. Also, the overhead lamp you don't need. A perfect temp for the Betta fish is 82 degrees. That is where I set all of mine, and I have 10 adults. The heater doesn't kick on until the water temp lowers to whatever you have it set for. Its ok if his water gets to that temp. If he is near a window, I would move him. They cannot be housed in direct sunlight. I think that after you get the right heater, one that has an adjustable heat dial, and the temp is able to stabilize, then I think he will do better.