Spastic Betta

[modernhamlet]

Horatio, my blue and red veiltail, has gotten progressively more active and aggressive, before and after his injury several days ago. He now spends a lot of time (too much) flaring at what I assume to be reflections in the glass. He still has very healthy colors, but he can be very spastic and has gone from happy, well-adjusted betta to angry, bad-attitude betta in a week's time.

I was hoping people here might have suggestions to calm him down. I'm sure this is how he got himself hurt in the first place, so anything I can do to make his life more calm, the better.

What color/pattern would best prevent reflections on the sides and back of the tank?

Are there any other secrets to making bettas feel safe and secure?

His water parameters are:

temp: 81F
pH: 7.0
Ammonia: 1.0
Nitrite: 0

The ammonia is a little high because I've been treating his wounds with BettaFix and am waiting an extra couple of days to change the water. Should I be using AmmoLock in this case?

 

[bittersweet]

my suggestion would be to lower the water temp a bit, bettas are most active in warmer water..so maybe to around 76. are there any plants/rocks in his tank? if not id put a few in to keep him busy.

 

[White Whale]

Place his bowl where there is dim lighting. A grey or "rock" background should do well.

 

[modernhamlet]

Thanks for the advice guys! We'll see how it goes...