Flaring

[fuzzyferretluver]

Well, today the urge hit while at Walmart. They had a beautiful betta there (which I got) and a divider tank (which I also got). So I put both bettas in there and lifted up the colored thing so they could see each other (with a clear barrier in between still). The blue/green crowntail I got first (still unnamed...need help!) instantly started to flare. It was beautiful. But my other betta (pink shimmery body, I think it's what you call veil fins that are clear/white on the outer half and red on the inner half) didn't flare much. Mom says I shouldn't do it so soon because it will stress them out. Am I stressing them out or is it ok?

[ickyfishywishy]

well i think 2 bettas seeing each other 24/7 will be too much for them, i keep mine next to each other but put a cardbord piece between them sometimes,
did u allow them to see each other right away after u put the new one in? he may need a couple of days to get used to his suroundings, one of my bettas didnt flare for a whole month, after a while of changing his ornaments and finding things he liked and was comfortable with, he started flaring at his buddy Bleu, but not allways when he sees blue, its like he knows they cant get to each other

[fuzzyferretluver]

No, I don't let them see each other 24/7. Just like 5 minutes at a time a couple times a day. The blue one (who I think I will name Atlanta because he's blue and green like an ocean...or maybe Atalanta...) will flare his gills and fins and try to attack through the barrier.

[starlight]

>>Mom says I shouldn't do it so soon because it will stress them out.<<

mom was right...
bettas should be quarantined for 2-3 weeks before sharing the same water. That's how long it takes for most diseases to appear on store bought fish. One benefit of the 2-3 week period is that if the betta gets sick, you have one sick fish rather than two or a tankful. If you have plants or anything to block the two from constant view it would be good to place along the divider line. A piece of plastic crafts canvas is good. In time the one that doesn't flare may decide he likes to and will enjoy his flare buddy. At the same time you should observe him, I've had bettas that don't like to see another male. At this point he shouldn't be subjected to the flaring betta 24/7. Give him some cover.

on edit.. I see there's a solid barrier that you can lift up. I haven't seen that setup but it may work out for you. Plants and other things along boundry line still applies though.
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I buy plastic canvas in the crafts dept in WalMart. It comes in quite a few colors and is under a $1 per sheet. I cut it into "tank" sized pieces and sometimes use for partial view-blocking between small tanks. For total view-blocking I use white index cards. The plastic canvas is nicer looking and has it's uses. If I were going to use it, in a betta's tank, I'd choose white or opaque as the darker colors might not be fish-tank safe.