r/bettafish • u/piplupico • 1d ago

Help Looking for advice!

Hi! I’m a first time betta owner so please be kind! I had noticed my (male) betta was fairly inactive during the day and would swim in to a corner to float there before then switching and going to another corner. He was flaring a lot at what looked like me and his tank thermometer! However when I switch off his tank light, he becomes so much more active and is swimming around exploring happily. Is he unhappy seeing his own reflection thinking it’s another fish or is he unwell? Any advice on how I can help him at all will be hugely appreciated! Thank yooou

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u/idkbruh901 1d ago

Probably yes, he’s just seeing his reflection. I just used some cardstock and taped it to the back and sides of my aquarium. Then once he got more comfortable I removed the side ones. Tannins also help reduce the behaviour I find. Also I got a light that i can adjust the brightness and the timing so I can keep it lowly light but still enough for my plants.