My Betta is freaking out! Please can anyone help? :/

[greeneyedpixie]

Hey everyone,

I'm very new here but have kept Bettas before very successfully. I have a 23 litre tank that has been cycling nicely with 2 loaches and 4 mini neon tetras. Temp hangs between 75-78 (currently 76.5).

I bought a new Betta today, in the store he looked beautifully healthy, swimming inquisitively with no tears or nips on his tail. I got him home and he just won't stop flaring and attacking his reflection on the walls of the tank (specifically the back wall) by the heater/filter. He hasn't eaten, and nothing I seem to do will distract him! I'm scared he's going to stress himself to death!

Is this normal behaviour? I've heard its because he's in a new environment and will settle in a few days, but my previous Bettas have never done this! Help is much appreciated!

Emmy xx

(edit) ps. i've tried him with lights on and off, and filter on and off! nothing seems to be helping!

[Landon21]

personally i would leave the lights off and cover the tank with a towel for 24 hours to reduce stress and then try feeding him tomorrow. hes probally just excited and a tad stressed in my opinion. ive seen this happen before with bettas, of course you could always try blocking his reflection some how if you wanted to...

[greeneyedpixie]

I have a fluval edge, I can't see any way of blocking the reflection over the back plate of the tank. Would a background be a good idea?

Its a shame the tank is pretty much one way glass so always mirrored, especially on the back of it. I'll turn off the lights and cover with a towel as you said. Should I leave the filter off or turn it back on?

Thank you :) x

[Landon21]

personally i would leave it on but if its loud it may be stressing him out though i doubt it. a background would help but there is going to be no way of blocking his reflection completley, personally i would just keep the tank dark and quiet all day and then start up with the normal routine tomorrow. i wouldnt be worried about it :)