My First Ever Betta!

[minikarter]

Right, so, thanks to the Betta Lady, I am now the proud owner of a beautiful male CT.. the first betta I've ever owned! I'm so proud Anyway, Since entering his new tank, he's explored it mostly, and is eating etc, all normal (though no bubble nest unfortunately atm!), but 24 hours on and he's taken to sticking to one area of the tank.. particularly the area closest to the wall around the heater where the glass and black background have created a mirror effect.

As much as I love watching him get angry at his own reflection, I want to see him move around the rest of the tank more! I'm thinking of getting a few taller plants and something that will grow over the water surface.. hopefully this will help, but wondering if anyone has any other tips?

I've attached a pic of his tank as it is (he's hiding in the pic way over to the right), and also for funsies I made my first ever Youtube video!! .. Just wanted to show him off.. I'm sure you understand (and he refuses to stay still for a photo shoot!)

 

[riogal_11]

It is likely that he's already established his territory. If you really want him to explore more, maybe try feeding him in the area you want him to travel, that way he will associate it with feeding and maybe venture there more. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it, some bettas love being in bigger tanks and some would just assume stay in one area.

 

[Honeythorn]

Add some more plants ( Cabomba is a good one ) to make him feel a bit more secure, and arrange some round the edges and walls to block his view of the mirrored glass. He'll be less likely to spend time ogling and flaring if he can't see himself .

 

[minikarter]

I'll see if I can find some! that cabomba looks great! though he seems to love tight spots.. it could be that i'd need to physically fix he plant to the glass to stop him checking himself out...

 

[Honeythorn]

They LOVE to squeeze themselves through gaps. All mine do males and females both. This is why it's important to have either silk or real plants instead of plastic ones.

 

[squiremaster]

well what do you know, my Betta did that too when I got him

 

[ReMz]

Give him a bit of time. He will calm down A LOT. You have great tank setup (very well done )

He'll be feisty in that corner for a bit, but will move on. I promise you he has explored around the tank when the lights are turned off. Right now just enjoy his constant display of AWESOMENESS. When he chills, you can enjoy the enigmatic "floatiness"

 

[devon_charm]

He seems to have settled well in his new home. The tank look amazing too...What every one else has said is about right, He will stay at that spot until the "intruder" goes away.

 

[lizc]

No Betta advice from me I'm afraid, just wanted to say your Betta looks gorgeous and I love your tank!
Even more tempted to get myself one when my 2nd tank finished cycling, despite hubby's moans of "you've got to have more than 1 fish in that tank"! (75L!!) Maybe I could get another, smaller tank....
Liz