heat & plants

Question
I have a 2.5 gallon rectangular aquarium and plan on buying a Betta. Yesterday I bought a 25 watt Hydor submersible heater that is adjustable and automatically turns off when it reaches the temp selected. Is this heater too strong for my small tank? If so, what kind of heater do you suggest?

I do not have a filter and do not plan on buying one, when I get my fish I will change 50% twice a week. I want to get java moss for my tank and have read that it is very easy to keep and will help regulate ammonia/nitrates. Is this a good choice for a small tank? Thanks

Answer
Hey there ally,

Well the general rule is 5 watts per gallon so your doing a bit of overkill lol. I would probably test out the heater before hand making sure it's fine. I wouldnt see a hug problem with it but again watch it closely that thing can produce alot of heat quickly and 2.5 gallon isnt very much. I'd say that you probably wouldnt need a heater , the room temp would sufficiently heat the tank.

Java moss is a great choice for a first plant, i sell it on ebay to people in canada and it's a hardy first tyep plant, you cant really kill it its that hardy lol, give it some light and water and it's good to go :)

plants can only really help with the bioload if you have alot, in your case it will just pretty much look nice, unles you got alot.

bigger tanks are easier to maintain and i'd suggest a 10 gallon if anything, you'll see yourself upgrading shortly anyways :)

good luck  and join me at www.fishaquarium.org