cold tank

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2.5 gallon rectangular tank and plan on buying a Betta fish. I set everything up to make sure it would work but the temperature in my tank is VERY low - 45F. I can't figure out why. Is there a heater made for small tanks that can handle heating my tank to 80F? What can I do to make my tank warmer?

Also, I have opted not to buy a filter. I've read that filters for small tanks do not really clean the water as in bigger tanks. Can I do 50% water changes twice a week and keep my Betta healthy?

ANSWER: Hi Ally
Either you're reading the Celsius mark-which would mean the temperature's 113 F...or it's not working correctly.  I would suggest buying a new thermometer to check the temperature.  The ones that actually float in the water are more accurate-in case you're using one of those stick on thermometers.  I'm guessing you're in the US since you're using F for the reading, it's summer time now, most houses are somewhere in the mid 70 F-80 F range temperature wise.  So, the tank water should be reading whatever your room temperature is.

As for heaters for that size tank, I know there weren't any several years ago.  I did a quick search, and there's really not many options still.  Only thing I've found, were these 2 links, the appear to be similar.  I personally don't like them because you can't adjust the temperature on them.  And, in the summer time or if the temperature inside is higher then 76 F, you need to shut them off.  So, they should be fine to use in the winter time, but just be sure to monitor the temperature frequently.  Also, be aware that a lot of the lights that come with the smaller tanks put out a lot of heat as well, so again, be sure to watch the temperature so you don't cook the fish.

http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/index.php?page=shop/flypage&product

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12087&N=2004+11376

I have also heard of people putting an electric blanket either under or around the fish tank in the winter at nighttime, and using the light during the day to heat up the tank.  I don't know how reliable that is though, never tried it.

No filter on that size tank with a betta is fine.  The large water changes twice a week is fine as well.  I would recommend not using gravel, or just using it sparingly in the tank.  The uneaten food and poop will gather down in the gravel, and eventually that will cause an ammonia build up in the tank.  With no filter in there, that gunk will just keep settling back down into the gravel.  Plus, it'll just be a lot easier to clean the tank without gravel in there.  You could put a few marbles or those colored rocks in for decoration instead.

Hope that helps, and if the temperature really is 45 F....let me know if you figure out what's causing that!!  I can't even imagine what would, aside from being inside a warmer refrigerator :)

Christy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do I need to cycle my tank? I've read that with a tank that small and frequent water changes it won't be able to cycle fully. But other people have told me I NEED to cycle it. What's your opinion?

Thanks!

Answer
No, you won't need to cycle.  If there was a filter on there, I'd say yes.  But like you said, doing that many water changes that frequently, that's helping the tank avoid cycling by removing the ammonia out before it has the chance to start cycling.  That's also why I said it's a good idea to go with no gravel in the bottom, anything left down in there(food and poop) will produce ammonia, and if you don't remove it, it'll start cycling.  

Christy