It sounds like you’re asking about keeping Betta auranti or a similar species in an unheated space that experiences significant temperature fluctuations between seasons. These tropical fish generally thrive in stable, warmer conditions, so the environment you describe might pose challenges. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Temperature Requirements:
• Betta auranti (or other tropical Betta species) typically need water temperatures around 24-28°C (75-82°F) to thrive. Sudden or extreme drops below this range can cause stress, immune suppression, and even death.
• Temperatures nearing 0°C in the winter would be far too cold for Betta auranti, and without insulation or heating, it would be very difficult for them to survive in these conditions. Prolonged exposure to cold can also make them prone to diseases such as ich and other bacterial or fungal infections.
2. Seasonal Changes:
• While warmer summers might work well for these fish, the winter cold is a serious concern. Betta auranti are native to Southeast Asia, where the water temperatures remain warm and relatively stable year-round. They do not hibernate or tolerate cold water conditions.
• Even though your space gets hot in summer, the lack of stability in winter would likely be detrimental without some form of supplemental heating.
3. Potential Solutions:
• Heated Aquarium: One option is to install a reliable aquarium heater that can maintain a consistent water temperature throughout the year, even in winter. However, if the ambient air temperature drops close to freezing, you would also need to consider insulating the tank or adding multiple heaters to ensure the water stays warm.
• Insulation: Insulating the space or the tank itself could help keep temperatures stable. You could use a tank cover and insulate the walls with foam or other materials to retain heat during colder months.
• Room Heating: If possible, consider using a space heater during the colder months to keep the room at a more moderate temperature.
4. Alternative Fish:
• If the goal is to avoid heating, you might want to consider cold-water species instead of Betta auranti. Species like White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Hillstream Loaches, or some native temperate species would better tolerate the colder winter temperatures.
Conclusion:
Keeping Betta auranti in an unheated, non-insulated room that drops close to 0°C in the winter would not be ideal or safe for them. To ensure their well-being, you would need to provide a stable, warm water environment throughout the year, likely requiring some form of heating or insulation in the winter.
Would you like advice on choosing an aquarium heater or setting up an insulated tank for this type of room?
