Would This Stress My Betta?

[Jenste]

While yardsale hopping I found a adorable hexagon tank - I snatched it (it was only $0.50!!!)


I am not concerned about the size - it is easily 5 gallons....but the three back sides have mirrors on them - would this stress the betta too much? my thinking is that it would be no different than having a clear divider in a tank....am I right?

 

[lilacamy931]

hmmm...not too sure to be honest, it may be a case of trying the betta and seeing the response. If it does affect, there are ways around with carefully placed plants or creating a gorgeous moss wall..

 

[kelly528]

It really depends on the betta... some will get used to a neighbor and on the other hand, some, like my guy, will flare at their own reflection until their fins are swiss cheese!

Give it a whirl and if he doesn't quiet down in a week or so, investigate other options.

 

[Jenste]

ok thanks - I will watch him carefully for the first few days so I make sure he isn't going insane!!!

 

[Amberleaf]

ok thanks - I will watch him carefully for the first few days so I make sure he isn't going insane!!!

I don't think you have very much to worry about, tbqh -- my two boys live in a divided 5-gallon, and the divider is *oh, the horror!* clear. They only flare at each other *sometimes*; most of the time, howevers, they are *far* too busy either looking at me, or, Libra, for instances, will sit in the plants at the back of his compartment.... ^^; He seems to rather enjoy curling around his green cabomba's stems. ^^;

 

[Zenandra]

You could also try putting plants and decorations on the sides with the mirrors, just to cut off some of the view, I think he'll be fine! I wish I could fine a $.50 5 gallon tank

 

[Inchworm]

Hi eyesofgreen

Great find! For that price, even if it doesn't work for a betta, I'm sure you'll find something else to use it for.

 

[loraxchick]

wow..great find.
dont worry about him stressing too much..he might flare for long periods of time at first, but will eventually give up trying to "get to" the other fish...lots of plants around the mirrored sides might help break up his line of sight and give cover too.
dont worry about the mirror effect..no different than keeping 2 males in divided tank or hanging a permanent mirror...IME, they eventually just give up only to have the occasional flare at themselves.
best of luck!
CHEERS