My New Tank Setup!

[Neal]

I have redone my tank and yesterday I bought some silk plants that fit in nicely, and my betta used to just sit on the heater all day, now he swims around everywhere! I'm going to put a picture on here as soon as I get hold of a camera. If anyone is thinking of setting up a tank with a betta in, I deffinately recommend them using silk plants, my heater is set at 80 degrees, and my filter is on the lowest setting, he looks so happy and for the first time today I showed him a mirror and he was flaring at it, he has flared before but i've never used a mirror, he just used to flare at the female. How long a day should I use a mirror on him? Also, how long should I keep my light on a day? It's a spotlight and it gets hot, I used it as a heater before I bought one as it does provide quite alot of heat, but he seems to like it. Thanks in advance,
Neal.

 

[severina]

You don't need to make him flare, but people will do it for pictures just to show off their bettas If the light gets really hot then I wouldn't recomend using it to light your tank...I've had a betta overheat and die before, it sucks.

 

[tidytourniquet]

I dont use a light on my betta tank, they dont need it and thats just another plug I would have to find an outlet for and I cant wait to see a pic

 

[Neal]

It doesn't affect the water temperature at all, as the water temperature always stays the same, just so it doesn't have a chill in it, but it isn't exactly warm, I have a peice of plastic over the top anyway, and thats thick so I think that stops most of the heat getting in, also the light really adds colour and space to the tank, the betta doesn't seem to be showing any signs of stress, he's just gladly swimming around, resting on the occasional leaf. Also, I may have pictures up later on today, if I figure out how to put them on the computer using my mams camera, and I need to find the lead to connect it to the computer, anyway, all comments will be gratefully appreciated and also tips on how to change stuff for the best, thanks!
Neal.