Is 84 Degrees Too Hot For A Betta Fish? 

Betta Fish

Betta Fish

Native to Southeast Asia, the Siamese fighting fish, or betta, is a bright-colored tropical fish. It prefers still and slow-flowing waters, such as rice paddies, swamps, drainage ditches, streams, and ponds. People love to keep the betta as a pet, and why not? The fish has vibrant colors and looks wonderful in the aquarium. The betta is a low-maintenance fish, but it needs special care so that it can stay healthy. One of the most important factors to take care of is the betta fish temperature.

What Is The Ideal Temperature For Betta Fish? 

The betta is a tropical freshwater fish. So it needs tropical conditions to thrive, which will include the temperature, water quality, and pH. The betta needs warm water. The ideal temperature range is 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit (25-27 degrees Celsius). The betta can tolerate a temperature range of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. But in this range, it will survive, not thrive

So is 84 degrees too hot for a betta fish? Yes indeed. If the betta fish is not kept within its ideal temperature, it will start showing signs of discomfort, and its lifespan will also be affected. So if you want your betta to stay happy and healthy in its tank, keep the water of the tank within the temperature range of 78-80 degrees.

Why Does The Beta Need This Temperature? 

The balance of body temperature in betta fish is very sensitive. A difference in the water temperature will affect its homeostasis. It will not die immediately, but its metabolism and respiratory system will be affected. Fluctuation in water temperature will eventually shorten its lifespan.

What If The Water Is Too Hot? 

As mentioned earlier, drastic change in the water temperature affects the betta fish’s metabolism. Hot water will increase its metabolism. Hot water has less oxygen than cold water. The betta will breathe rapidly or swim to the surface of the tank for oxygen. It will show erratic swimming behavior. Increased metabolism will lead to fatigue. The fish will start aging faster, and its lifespan will decrease. 

What If The Water Is Too Cold? 

The betta fish will become lethargic in cold water. It will swim less because it does not have much energy, and it will prefer to stay at the bottom levels of the water. It will also start eating less. Due to slow metabolism, the immunity of the fish will decrease. The fish will become prone to infection and disease due to reduced immunity, and it may eventually die.

How To Maintain the Ideal Water Temperature for Your Betta Fish 

Now that you know how important it is to keep your betta fish within the ideal water temperature find out how you can do so.

  • Pick An Aquarium Of The Right Size: 

It is important to get an aquarium of the accurate size for your betta fish. The betta fish tank should be at least 2.5 gallons, and if it will be good if the tank is larger than 5 gallons. In tanks that are smaller than 2.5 gallons, the water temperature fluctuates rapidly. In larger tanks, the ideal temperature can be maintained easily.

  • The Aquarium Should Have A Heater And A Thermometer: 

If the room temperature is not 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you should get a good heater for the aquarium. There are many types of heaters available, choose one which will best suit your tank. You should also get a thermometer to check the temperature.

  • Change The Water Temperature Gradually: 

Rapid fluctuation in the water temperature can result in temperature shock. For betta fish, temperature shock can be fatal, and as a pet owner, you should avoid temperature shocks. If the tank’s temperature is not within the ideal temperature, you should make the adjustments slowly. 

  • Change The Aquarium’s Water: 

With time, the amount of fish waste and harmful compounds increases in the tank. Hence you must change the water of the tank to bring down the levels of these toxic compounds. How much water should be changed and how frequently? That will depend on the size of the tank, the nitrogen cycle in the tank, and the use of filters in the tank. 

As a pet owner, if you keep these things in mind, your betta fish will stay happy and healthy, and its lifespan will also increase.