[FishyFishy89]

I have a separate 5.5 gallon tank that I have been cycling with a coupla live plants. So after 2 weeks of cycling I decided that it was safe to put a new "tank owner" in there.
I went n bought a LIVELY crowntail from PetsMart. He was the livest one there. Flaring at all the other bettas n such. Went about adjusting him at home. Then it was time to release him.
So hes swimming around n around n around as I'm cooking dinner. I'm stirring the pasta as I'm watching him, he turns and looks at the back glass/starting flaring. It was cute to watch. But he just kept flaring, so I grabbed some paper to block his reflection. Came back and he's flaring at the sides too!!
Would he eventually realize it is his own reflection and stop flaring? Or should I block off the back/sides completely? I know flaring will cause alot of stress for him. I'm just not a fan of having to completely block off all but 1 side of the tank. ALSO, could it be the light in the tank??


Thanks!

 

[Myates]

Flaring isn't causing stress.. it's good exercise and normal for them. Most likely the room light was dim, and the tank light on.. which would cause a mirror effect on the sides.
Normally after a few days they will calm down and ignore the "other" fish.. but for now he is establishing territory and having fun.

Keep checking the water parameters, as a tank normally takes over a month to fully cycle.. so right now your tank is still cycling, and you just added in a fish which will most likely cause a spike in ammonia and such, which could be dangerous to your boy. So test it regularly, and do small partial water changes when you see any ammonia present..

Good luck!

 

[FishyFishy89]

Flaring isn't causing stress.. it's good exercise and normal for them. Most likely the room light was dim, and the tank light on.. which would cause a mirror effect on the sides.
Normally after a few days they will calm down and ignore the "other" fish.. but for now he is establishing territory and having fun.

Keep checking the water parameters, as a tank normally takes over a month to fully cycle.. so right now your tank is still cycling, and you just added in a fish which will most likely cause a spike in ammonia and such, which could be dangerous to your boy. So test it regularly, and do small partial water changes when you see any ammonia present..

Good luck!

I currently have an Anacharis plant in the tank. It should help with the ammonia a bit. But I will still be doing weekly partial changes.

 

[daniomania]

haha my betta does that to but after a few days he stoped. Ithin khe is just seeeing his reflection and practicing flaring! lol i talked to the perso nat my local pet store and they said that hes just exercising. normal and his fun!!

 

[Rosso1011]

I have a separate 5.5 gallon tank that I have been cycling with a coupla live plants. So after 2 weeks of cycling I decided that it was safe to put a new "tank owner" in there.
I went n bought a LIVELY crowntail from PetsMart. He was the livest one there. Flaring at all the other bettas n such. Went about adjusting him at home. Then it was time to release him.
So hes swimming around n around n around as I'm cooking dinner. I'm stirring the pasta as I'm watching him, he turns and looks at the back glass/starting flaring. It was cute to watch. But he just kept flaring, so I grabbed some paper to block his reflection. Came back and he's flaring at the sides too!!
Would he eventually realize it is his own reflection and stop flaring? Or should I block off the back/sides completely? I know flaring will cause alot of stress for him. I'm just not a fan of having to completely block off all but 1 side of the tank. ALSO, could it be the light in the tank??


Thanks!

I think your boy is probably just adjusting to his new environment. I think it's normal for some bettas to flare a lot after being put in a new environment. If he doesn't slow down on the flaring after a while, you may want to take a look at his home and see if it lacks stimulation and hiding spots.

His aquarium should have at least one hiding spot, some plants (real or fake), and some decor. Just keep in mind that he is probably going through an adjustment period and should be fine after some time.

 

[FishyFishy89]

I think your boy is probably just adjusting to his new environment. I think it's normal for some bettas to flare a lot after being put in a new environment. If he doesn't slow down on the flaring after a while, you may want to take a look at his home and see if it lacks stimulation and hiding spots.

His aquarium should have at least one hiding spot, some plants (real or fake), and some decor. Just keep in mind that he is probably going through an adjustment period and should be fine after some time.

He got 2 logs, 1 big n 1 small, n 2 live plants
he loves the big log

 

[Rosso1011]

In that case, he probably just needs some time. I'm thinking about getting my boy a log at some point too. I think he'd really like it. That or a leaf hammock.

 

[FishyFishy89]

In that case, he probably just needs some time. I'm thinking about getting my boy a log at some point too. I think he'd really like it. That or a leaf hammock.

I've seen the bettas loving the floating logs. But I have filters so they get pushed around or shoved into a corner xD