Bubblenest?

[FalconStorm]

I have two betta's right now, and one on the way. Before my new one gets here, I wanted to ask a question. Both of my bettas are healthy, eat well and show curiosity and alertness as they swim around their tanks. Neither one has ever built a bubblenest, though. Am I doing something wrong? Is there something off that might cause them to not build bubblenests, or do some betta's just not build bubblenests unless they're breeding? Should I be worried or change anything? Thanks for any advice.

 

[WILDER]

Don't no about the bubblenest, not kept betta's but i wouldn't breed the new arrival straight away just to make sure he hasn't been on antibiotics, to clear the meds out of his system.

 

[FalconStorm]

I don't intend to breed him at all. I just want to make sure he's going to be happy and comfortable. From what I understand, a bubble nest is a good sign that a betta is very content, so if I'm doing something that's making them uncomfortable, I'd like to know, so I'm not doing that when he gets here. Know what I mean?

 

[Haiku]

I don't think bubblenesting is a foolproof indicator of a happy or unhappy betta. I just think it's purely instinct driven. Some have stronger instincts to nest or claim territory by nesting, and some don't. I started a thread about this not too long ago. It was an interesting conversation. You might like to browse it

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=88746&hl

 

[kgrehm]

I agree with Haiku, and also the male will usualy build the bubblenest right before breeding if he doesnt do it on his own regularly. If they have never breed before sometimes that you have to help him out by, making a place that he will build a nest. Most use a cup cut in half long ways, or a small piece of wax paper. If you have that in there and where the male can see the female, most the time he will try and make one depending on age and who he was breed to.

 

[red-devil0602]

sometimes if you have a current in the water it breaks the nest before it can grow

 

[Kiarra]

The bubblenest CAN be a good indication of health and general happiness, but some males just don't nest, for any reason. There's nothing wrong with them---they can be quite curious, alert individuals---they just don't feel inclined to nest.

As long as everything else in their world is good and they look healthy, then don't worry about the lack of bubblenests. They'll either do it someday, or they won't.

 

[FalconStorm]

Thanks, all. That really helps and puts me at ease. I didn't think anything was wrong with them. They're both fairly active, although I think Sorensen is bored since he's alone in his tank. I'm going to see what he thinks of being next to the new guy when he gets here. If they can get along, I'll keep them next to each other for company.