Starting A Betta Tank

[Danh]

Hello all, I'm thinking of taking my 6 gallon tank that used to house guppy fry and keeping a Betta in there. However after putting a substrate in and filling the tank with water again i think i have come across a problem. The tank in question has a mirrored background, but IIRC i read somewhere that bettas don't recognize their own reflections. Will this be a problem or will this be ok?

Any suggestions?

Dan.

 

[-Deano-]

I Suppose You Could Cover Up The Mirrored Part...Otherwise The Betta Will Get Stressed Out By Trying To Attack The Mirror.

 

[catherine896]

Alot of people say it is healthy for a betta to be able to either see a reflection of themself or be able to see another male. As it keeps them occupied and if it was another male they could see they would flare at eachother until they reach an 'agreement' of whos boss and then the flaring would calm down. When I got my 2nd male, they were flaring up at eachother for a good few hours, the next day however they stayed away from eachother and would only go up to be able to see the other now and then.
I wouldnt worry about it myself. My 10gallon is divided and when I look into the tank it looks like each end of the tank is mirrored so I think they can see the reflection of themself but it doesnt seem to bother either oy my males. Also if they peer hard enough through the 2 dividers I have they can see eachother, but this doesnt bother them either!

 

[Danh]

Ok thanks for the speedy replies people. Im hoping that if i plant the tank it will stop any problems.

 

[Jaded12]

Yeah just plant it a bit to block the view, all of my boys can see eachother, and once in awhile they get it in their heads that they "feel like flaring" but most of the time they just ignore eachother.

 

[fishboy619]

if a betta flares constantly, its very stressful for him, a few minuets every so often can be good.just plant lots of plants around and everything should be ok.

 

[Danh]

Ok thanks every one looks like im off to get my betta after school today and some plants, im hopimg they have a nice crown tail if not i will get a VT .

Dan.