Flaring A Lot

[Toki]

We just got a betta that we put in a 2 1/2 gallon tank with no filter or heater. (We just had a filter and heater in there with the previous betta, and the betta kept wrapping himself around the bottom of the filter and I think that's what killed him--his fins were all ripped.) There are rocks in the bottom and one silk plant.

This betta, along with the one before, spends the majority of the day flaring up! As long as the light is on, he's flaring, almost like he's performing! I personally, love it, but doesn't that get tiring after awhile? Maybe outright stressful? I didn't put a background on the tank because I read that that sometimes makes the problem worse so I guess the only thing to do is turn the light off?

 

[paige]

i dont know much abput betta's but i'm pretty sure they need a heater, if he's new and you bought him in a heated tank and then put him in a cold water tank it could have given him a shock, but i'm not sure.

 

[Amerce]

Are you sure that there isn't some reflection from the tank, cause if he can see himself then he'll think it's another male and flare to frighten him ?

Betta's can manage without a heater but the temp in the room the tank's kept in must be fairly warm, so if you have a cool room then put in a heater.

I have my Betta's in 2.5gal tanks and put in a mini heater just to keep the heat at around 24c.

 

[Toki]

There definitely is reflection if the light is on....

He was bought in a cup, right inside Petsmart near the door, so the water was prolly pretty cold. The water in the tank now is about 72 degrees F, according to the thermometer on the side. I don't know how accurate those are though....

There was a heater in there made for a 10 gallon, and I figured that wouldn't be a good idea so I took it out...

 

[wuvmybetta]

My house sits at around 72-73 right now and the bettas don't even notice. If you're not comfortable with a heater, don't worry 'bout it.

With that said, it is most likely the reflection he is fending off, they're not the brightest creatures when it comes to recognizing themselves. They're also from dark, murky waters so the light is somewhat blinding. Maybe try leaving it on for a short time a day? Just for his daily work-out.