Review on 🐠 Aqueon Mini Submersible Aquatic Flat Heater - Black, 5 Watts | Ideal for Up to 2.5 Gallon Tanks by Sandra Ford

Here's the story: My daughter bought me a betta for my birthday which is in August. So the temperature of the water initially suited him. it is now december. Then a few weeks ago I noticed that he really wasn't eating much, hanging at the bottom of the tank and changing color. When he had sudden bursts of energy (which was rare) he would swim with a squint as if on his side! I knew something was wrong. After research on the web. I concluded that my Gregory was COLD! His water was too cold for him! The obvious solution was to get a heater. recommended online. Knowing it was in a 1 gallon glass tank (I kicked it the old fashioned way with its tank) I knew I needed a lower wattage heater so I didn't cook it. I don't worry about turning it off at night and whatnot. I didn't want a lot of maintenance. After much research, I found that 5 watts would work. I went to the Revain and found this one, although it took several hours to get to the ideal water temperature (78-80*). IT'S WORTH THE WAIT! I also bought a thermometer with a sticker to put on the outside of the tank. So I know it took several hours to get the right temperature. My Gregory spent the whole process in a bowl of cold water. Poor guy. But the wait is worth it here too. The fact is, since this heater is only 5 watts, it never feels hot. You will never feel the warmth emanating from him. It is designed to gradually increase the temperature of the water. So if you don't give it enough time to reach the ideal temperature, you'll think it's not working properly or at all. But this. These are 5 watt people, they're not going to go from 64* to 78* in an hour! I am very happy with this heater, as is my rooster! As of today, he enjoys swimming and eating again, and his skin color is gradually returning to normal. I'm sure it will take some time for the colors to come alive again. If it took a while for it to lose its brightness, it only makes sense that it would take some time for it to return. My advice: if you buy this heater, also buy a thermometer and KNOW it will take hours (4 hours to be exact for me) to get your water to the ideal temperature. Once it reaches that temperature, it maintains it. So you don't have to worry about it getting higher where it should be. Also, if you put it in an aquarium, make sure that it is near the bottom and not touching the bottom, but next to it. My first placement was too high and the top of the water was warm while the bottom was still cold. I repositioned it when it was at 80* and now the whole tank is warm. I highly recommend! Thumbs up for this heater!