
Ive had her for around a month now. She was originally in a 5 gallon tank where I was using a mounted grow light instead of the one attached to the lid since I did not have the cord for it. I thought maybe the light hitting the glass at an angle was causing her to see her reflection despite it being turned down very dim. Other details that might have affected her stress levels in her first tank was the preset heater that was holding the water around 72° and the filter caused a current on the right side of the tank.
I moved her into a 10 gallon tank with an overhead light, heater that can be adjusted warmer, and a better filter which I used a water bottle to ease the flow into the tank. She is still glass surfing on every side of the tank whether the light is on or off. I test my water every other day, she does this no matter what. I can only assume she is seeing her reflection because of how aggressive she swims against the glass and her gills flare out. She swims very active and never refuses food besides the fluval betta flakes that she doesn't like.
I have many live plants that need the light, I was planning on taping some parchment paper over the light to dim it, but shes flaring at herself even with the light off. I want to cover 2/4 sides with dark colored poster board and see if that helps but that still leaves the front and side that shes currently flaring at.
I have no idea what else to do. I feel like she is going to stress herself to death.
https://v.redd.it/7k3f9ltla17g1
Posted by Responsible_Visit184
3 Comments
New tanks do that , they need to learn new boundaries and “”protect territory””. Painting one side dark /attaching dark background and planting HEAVILY e.g. 60-80% plant coverage, will help her feel safer and calmer. Mine stopped after about a week.
I would have to agree with the other commenter, all of my bettas have glass surfed the first week or two after getting them despite having many plants and hiding areas etc. I think they just need to get used to new environments before they’re more comfortable/less on guard
It’s not flaring in your video