Newbie from uk

[Moshann]

Hi I recently got my very first and very beautiful betta, Oberon (who was sold to me as royal blue halfmoon). In my part of the UK the only way to buy is from a breeder although the big pet store 12 miles away occasionally has a veil or two in and in spite of arriving by post (express next day delivery and beautifully packaged with a heat pad to keep him warm) he settled in to his new home immediately and took food later in the day with no hesitation although it was a different pellet type to the one the breeder used. He is feeding well (2 pellets twice a day) and swims around happily in between lounging sessions on the plants, rocks, heater etc etc.

The thing that worries me is whether it is essential for bettas to build bubble nests. The tank has a central tube with air bubbles going through it (I've reduced the flow so he doesn't have to struggle to reach the surface or anything) and assume that he doesn't build a bubble nest because there are already small bubbles on the surface of the water all the time. He seems quite contented so is it going to distress him if he can't build a bubble nest?

Sorry if it is a silly question - any comments ?

[Wyvern]

As far as I know its not essential. It took my boy months of practice to make a proper nest.

[smellsfishie]

I think he will be fine without building a nest, but it's pretty cute when they do! As long as the water flow/agitation isn't too crazy he should be fine. :D Welcome to the forum.

[Moshann]

Thanks - I'll wait and see what happens. As long as he's happy I don't mind

[Sakura8]

Hi Moshann and welcome to the forum. How long have you had Oberon? Not all bettas build their bubblenests right away but it doesn't mean they aren't happy. It just means they don't feel the need to breed.

[Moshann]

I've only had him 2 weeks so he is still very new - the breeder who supplied him said he was about 5 months old.

[Sakura8]

You haven't had him for very long so he might just need a bit more time to settle in and get used to things. I bet he'll build a bubblenest soon.