Too much flaring is bad for betta?

[freshyyf]

Hi everyone, I am a total beginner in betta keeping. I posted the below questions to some general fish forums before but I was thrilled to surf by this forum with specific interest on Betta. Can anyone answer my below question :

I got 3 female and 2 male bettas from a friend just recently. I raise them in a same big fish tank, with transparent compartments to split them, male and female alternating. They display to each other a lot, male to female and male to male (across the female!!!), even female to female.

I am just wondering if this is good for them in a long term period? Will they get too tired until affecting their health? Can male and female seeing each other constantly and not letting them mate?

Any opinion is appreciated. Thanks first.

[briggs]

Depends how much space each fish has, and if they have somewher eto hide where none of the other fish can see them.

Flaring is good for them for maybe awhile, not constant flaring cuz then they get to stressed. I let mine flare for about 20 minutes when I can remember to do it.

My 3 tanks are side by side, but about half a foot between them. Sometimes they see eachother through the tank glass and flare for 2 minutes and then get bored and go do whatever, or take a rest. sometimes they will go back and do it again, sometimes not. all 3 have places to hide when they want to.

I had a background up on my crowntails tank and he flared and snaped at his reflection for about 2 hours and then i decided to take it down because he just wasnt getting the idea..

If each of your fish has a godo amount of space, id say 1 gallon per fish then im sure you can make lots of hidey areas with plants or decorations, and then they should eventualy figure out they cant do much except flare, then maybe they wont do itmuch

but in short, yes if they flare constantly for hours on end it will tire them out and stressed out fishes you have.

[Rachel]

I'm not sure how long you've had your tank set up so far, but eventually the fish should get used to each other and not flare so often. Like briggs mentioned, lots of plants or places to hide and things that will create interest for each fish in their own space is helpful.

I set up a divided tank for two males about a week ago now and they would flare constantly at first, but it's getting to the point now where they're more used to each other and only give the occasional flare while enjoying more of their space exploring. It was stressful for them during the initial time period, but they have adjusted to it and are settling down.

It's good for your fish to flare and keep active too.