One of the most well-liked fish kept as pets today is unquestionably the betta. With their brilliantly colorful tails, they have a stunning appearance. Additionally, they are known for being low-maintenance pets and are relatively little. Does this imply, however, that betta fish can also survive in cold water?
Even though they don’t need a lot of room or care from their owners, it is absolutely not a good idea to put them in a bowl of water that is at room temperature. Because they are so sensitive to low temperatures, betta fish might suffer serious health consequences if the water temperature is kept below 70 °F (21 °C) for an extended length of time.
Bettas are mostly found in Asia’s slow-moving streams, shallow marshes, and ponds, where the water is warm and generally steady.
Betta Fish Water Temperature
Betta fish like water that closely resembles the conditions of their native habitats, which should be between 76 and 86 °F (25 and 30 °C).
These temperatures are a little higher than regular room temps, but they are necessary for them to live a long, healthy, and happy existence. And not just that—they also need a significant number of plants in their tanks.
Warm water and plant-filled tanks will simulate their optimum natural environments and, as a result, maintain your fish pets’ healthy metabolisms.
How Long Can Betta Fish Stay/ Survive In Cold Water?
If the water temperature is only a few degrees below their optimal range (78-82°F), bettas can live for up to six months. But if it gets below freezing (72°F), they’ll probably pass away in a month! The health of the fish has a major impact on its capacity to withstand cold water.
In colder waters, bettas’ lifetime can significantly decrease, yet they can endure brief exposure. Your betta will only survive for a few hours if the temperature falls below 16°C.
Betta fish thrive in warm water because it helps them regulate their body temperature because their native habitats are rice fields in tropical climates.
A fish tank with an appropriate temperature of 78°F to 80°F (25-27°C) can support a betta’s typical lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
Such a question has just one single solution: it all depends on how chilly the water is. In general, nevertheless, it is understood that Betta fish may last up to 6 months in water that is room temperature.
A few months of existence appear like a very short time when compared to their typical lifespan in captivity, which ranges from 3 to 5 years. Right?
Betta fish are more susceptible to infections, and their metabolism also slows down dramatically in colder water.
Can Betta Fish Live In Cold Water?
However, a common question that arises among pet owners is whether Betta fish can live in cold water. The answer is no, as bettas are tropical fish and require warm water to thrive. Cold water can affect their immune systems and lead to health problems. It is important to maintain the water temperature in their habitat within the recommended range of 76 to 82 °F. In chilly water, betta fish can survive, but they won’t last very long.
Even if they can survive in cold water, that doesn’t always mean they enjoy it. Your Bettas will be quite lethargic if your fish tank is chilly. They eat less, move less, and store fatter as a result of their entire body slowing down. When it’s time for dinner, they could simply sit on the ground and do nothing.
As a result, you would never think to put betta fish in chilly water. Instead, provide them with a warm, comfortable place to live. You cannot rely on the room temperature since the optimal temperature range is typically greater than the room temperature. Additionally, the temperature in space is always changing.
The Betta fish is able to adapt quickly to changing environmental circumstances. However, it goes without saying that they have a certain amount of resilience and adaptability before circumstances get too much for them! Both cold water and frequent temperature changes are dangerous. As a result, you need to figure out how to maintain a constant tank temperature in your betta tank.
What Happens When Betta Fish Get Cold?
Since bettas are tropical fish, placing them in cold water will have unfavorable effects.
The effects of rearing Betta in cold water are rather dangerous. Some of the results you can anticipate are listed below.
Susceptible To Diseases
When maintained at temperatures below 72 degrees Fahrenheit, betta fish are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal illnesses. Furthermore, having a robust immune system shields them from the many infections that are prevalent in aquarium water. In contrast, when it gets colder, their immunity weakens and becomes less efficient, leaving them more susceptible to a range of illnesses.
Fin rot is the most typical illness that affects Betta. The fish’s fins look raggedly ripped away by this bacterial illness as if they had been slowly rotting away over time. For your little pal, this might be terrible!
If left untreated, it can result in permanent fin damage and be fatal to your Betta fish. Fin rot is also a very contagious illness.
The virus in your tank will swiftly spread to others if you don’t keep track of it and do anything about it.
Popeye is a sickness that is ready to strike in the water. This unlucky fish will look nasty and menacing because his eyes stick out from his skull.
Metabolism Drops
A betta fish’s metabolism slows down in cold water, but it can speed up in warm water. Fish in warm seas consume more food than fish in cold waters do!
A betta in cold water becomes less active for this reason. When water is warm, the opposite happens. Increasing their metabolism makes the fish more active. Fish that live in warm water consume a lot more than fish that live in cold water.
The fish in question will have a quicker digestion due to the warmth. As a result, the cold water could seem like a gift for aquarists whose fish create excessive amounts of waste since cold water will encourage fish to consume less food, hence producing less waste.
But this is not exactly as valid as you may believe. Chilly water is linked to digestive disorders, including constipation, because cold temperatures make the digestive tract work more slowly. This could lead to swim bladder illness. Fish will gain weight and become less active.
As if that weren’t awful enough, a betta that has stopped moving about due to a decline in metabolism would also cease eating. Fish require food to thrive, just like people do. Your Betta fish will perish if it stops eating because of the chilly water.
Reduced Activity
A betta in cold water won’t become ill right away, so don’t expect it to. The creature’s immunity can take some time to erode. One of the initial signs you will notice is lethargy. Most aquarium fish fall into this category. Cold temperatures will cause them to become less active since they have cold blood.
In the beginning, they will swim slowly. Following that, they will spend more time sleeping than swimming. They will cease migrating entirely if the temperatures stay below freezing. They might not have the strength to move, so you could find them floating toward the bottom or resting on their sides.
Lethargy is a sign of stress and sickness. But before assuming that the bettas are resting in the bottom of the tank because they are ill or under stress, you should take the temperature. In the worst instance, a betta kept in cold water will go unconscious.
The reason for this is that the betta’s body has slowed down to the point that its brain is running short of oxygen. The Betta can still be saved, though. The fish is not dead, despite what your instincts may lead you to believe based on your observations. By increasing the water’s temperature, you can protect it from temperature shock.
The worst-case scenario is that a fish might go into a coma in chilly water.
The biological processes of Betta fish become so sluggish in cold water that their brains run out of oxygen. The good news is that your Betta is still saveable. Bring the tank’s temperature up gradually to a level that is favorable for Betta fish.
Signs That Aquarium Water Is Too Cold For Your Betta
It’s wise to monitor the water temperature in your Betta fish tank at all times. Undoubtedly, you need a thermometer to measure the temperature. What happens, though, if the thermometer stops working?
There are further indicators of how chilly it is. For instance, in this situation, fish behavior and appearance might provide useful clues.
Lethargy is one of the first signs you’ll observe, so if your fish appears drowsy or lethargic, it may be due to a temperature issue! Additionally, your fish may appear pale and lifeless and perhaps gain weight over time. Cold water slows down metabolism, as seen by individuals who become fat without changing their constipation pattern.
If you observe them becoming less glossy, putting on weight gradually, acting sluggishly, or having dull colors, it may be because the temperature of the aquarium water has dropped too low.
What Are The Other Severe Signs That My Betta Fish Is Cold?
Your Siamese fighting fish will ultimately get sick, drop to the bottom, and die if you don’t do something about it quickly.
Additionally, if you see these indicators, you’ll be able to tell if the issue is becoming worse:
Labored Breathing
Your pet fish will rapidly expand and shut its gills when it is struggling to breathe in an effort to get more oxygen.
Your betta may also be swimming close to the surface of the tank in an effort to breathe as much air as possible.
Clamped Fins
Your pet fish’s fins will appear to abruptly get shorter as it clamps them. This is a result of the fins becoming restricted or being hauled in close to the body in an effort to keep warm and preserve energy.
Losing Color
Your Siamese fighting fish’s colors will start to dwindle and fade as it gets chilly. It progressively loses its brilliance and goes white.
Just keep in mind that these are typical symptoms of stressed betta fish, so if your betta displays any of them, it’s advisable to check the water’s temperature and quality and take prompt action.
How To Prevent Betta Fish Temperature Shock?
A Betta fish experiences temperature shock or thermal shock when it is unexpectedly exposed to water that is either too cold or too hot.
The three aforementioned symptoms, as well as dulling colors and laborious respiration, are those of mild temperature shock.
Make sure to routinely check the temperature in your tank and adjust it as needed to avoid this from happening. The best practices to adhere to are listed below:
Have A Thermometer For Your Betta Tank
By providing your fish with healthy habitat, you may prevent your pet fish from experiencing water temperature shock.
Have a reliable aquarium thermometer and a fish tank heater so you can monitor the temperature in your betta’s tank at all times.
You should purchase a thermometer that you can place inside the tank for more accurate readings. The external thermometers that are attached to the fish tank’s glass might occasionally be off. This may be caused by the thickness of your aquarium’s glass or by the air around your betta tank being at a different temperature.
Invest In A Good Aquarium Heater
If you reside somewhere where the temperature goes below 25 °C, this is very crucial.
You may purchase an adjustable heater to help you keep the water at the optimal 26–28°C temperature throughout the day and night.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry about overheating because the majority of aquarium heaters today feature an integrated thermostat. But even so, be sure to periodically check the temperature to make sure it is within the acceptable range.
A submersible heater, Fluval M200 Submersible Heater, 200-Watt Heater for Aquariums up to 65 Gal., A784 is a good option for your betta tank.
Change Your Betta Tank With Appropriate Temperature
This also brings up another aspect of the activity, which is changing the water frequently to keep your betta’s body temperature appropriate.
To avoid putting your Betta fish into temperature shock, make sure the water you add during water changes is not tepid.
However, you may also practice acclimatization. A thermometer is crucial in this situation. Acclimatization is the process of gradually raising the new water’s temperature to that of your betta fish tank.
Put your Betta fish in a different container, and then gradually transfer water drop by drop from the tank to the container until it reaches the same temperature.
By doing so, you are keeping your Betta fish from suffering abrupt changes to their surroundings and gradually acclimating them to the new temperature.
Set Up A Good Lighting For Your Betta Fish
Last but not least, installing a suitable lighting system for your betta will help you maintain a consistent tank temperature. The water temperature may be kept above a specified degree with proper illumination.
The best alternative is artificial lighting since you have control over how much and when to turn it on and off.
By doing this, you can keep your Betta fish warm, especially at night when the ambient temperature drops.
Natural light can be used, but only under limited circumstances if you don’t yet have the money. Make sure the position of your tank is out of any drafts and away from any air conditioning vents and that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
I advise using an LED light, though, if you want to eliminate any dangers. In addition to being energy-efficient, they don’t produce a lot of heat. The use of a fluorescent light is another acceptable substitute. Your betta needs some time to relax and sleep; therefore, you need to make sure they won’t be overexposed to light. You may accomplish this by spending money on a light timer. This will enable you to program your betta fish tank’s lighting schedule appropriately.
MingDak LED Aquarium Plant Light is a good option for the betta as well as plants in your aquarium.
Add Live Plants And Some Decor
Compared to tanks with live plants and decorations, empty tanks typically become colder more rapidly.
In addition to improving the aesthetics of your tank, living plants and other decorations may aid in regulating the temperature.
Your tank’s oxygen levels are balanced by live plants. Furthermore, accents such as driftwood and pebbles provide your betta fish with a place to hide, allowing them to feel safer and protected from any abrupt changes in the environment.
| Image | Plants for aquarium | Link |
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Java Moss |  |
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Amazon Sword | |
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Hornwort | |
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Java Fern | |
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Anubias Petite | |
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Ludwigia Repens | |
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Anacharis | |
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Brazilian Pennywort | |
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Christmas Moss | |
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Cryptocoryne Wendtii | |
How Cold Is Too Cold For Betta Fish?
For Betta fish, temperatures below 74 degrees F (23 degrees C) are too low. You will then notice audible and visible signs of temperature shock. Although they can survive in water as chilly as 76 degrees F, Betta fish prefer water that is between 78 and 80 degrees F.
It is important to keep in mind that if the aquarist forgets to acclimatize the fish, a new betta in a tank with the ideal temperature (78 to 80 degrees F) might also undergo temperature shock. Bettas do not like significant changes in their settings, as was previously mentioned.
Lethargy is one of the first signs you’ll observe, so if your fish appears drowsy or lethargic, it may be due to a temperature issue! Your fish may also appear pale and lifeless and maybe gain weight daily. Cold water slows down metabolism, as seen by individuals who become fat without changing their constipation pattern.
It can be a sign that the aquarium water temperature has dropped too low for them if you observe them losing their glossiness, gaining weight gradually, being sluggish, or having dull colors.
What Temperature Will Kill Bettas?
Bettas are more likely to perish at temperatures below 72 degrees. Fish can live at temperatures as low as 72 degrees F, while 78 to 80 degrees F is the optimal range. Although they won’t enjoy it, they can get by. However, if the temperature drops below 72 degrees, your Betta fish may perish in an hour. Bettas need a heater, as I said previously.
What Is The Maximum Temperature For Betta Fish?
Betta fish can withstand a maximum temperature of 84 to 86 degrees F. Bettas can survive at temperatures a little bit higher than the recommended range. Even if the Betta fish do not enjoy it, they will make it through. However, temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit might be lethal.
When under heat stress, Bettas will develop respiratory problems. Because of the shortage of oxygen, the Betta fish might potentially pass away. If the temperature exceeds 85 degrees F for a day or more, you must take the betta out of the tank. The aquarium’s temperature should ideally be checked every several hours.
Lethargy and inactivity are two more signs of heat stress. The fish will eventually cease eating. Most likely, they’ll float close to the tank’s bottom. Finding a location with a colder climate is the long-term answer. Alternately, add ice cubes to the water to gradually lower the temperature.
Conclusion
You risk losing your betta within a few days if the water in your aquarium is below 72 degrees. You may gradually increase the temperature if you have a heater until it reaches the ideal level (78 to 80 degrees F). Your Betta fish should live if it’s in good health.
But I strongly advise that you buy a heater if you don’t already have one or if it isn’t functioning properly. Your Betta fish may die in a chilly tank. To maintain a steady temperature, you don’t have to operate the heater constantly, but you should.
FAQ
Can Bettas Live In Cold Water?
Bettas are tropical fish and prefer water temperatures between 76°F and 82°F. Cold water can harm or kill Bettas.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For Bettas?
Water temperatures below 70°F can be harmful or lethal to bettas.
Can I Keep A Betta In A Cold Room?
It’s not recommended to keep a betta in a cold room, as the room temperature can affect the water temperature and harm the fish.
How Do I Heat My Betta’s Tank?
You can use an aquarium heater to maintain a stable temperature in the tank. It is also recommended to use a thermometer to monitor the water temperature.
How Can I Acclimate My Betta To A New Temperature?
Gradually increase the temperature of the water over a period of a few days to acclimate your betta to a new temperature. This will reduce stress on the fish and prevent health problems.