what do you think of this?

[swampy]

hey, brand new here! enjoying my new betta, in it's 2.5 gal aquarium with 2 live plants and 1 mystery snail. just got a light, and he seems happier, although he's flaring a bit at his own reflection.

is this normal? is it stressful? or can i keep the light?

because i'm enjoying him so much, i've been doing research on how to keep him happy...was searching for daphnia and other live foods, and found this:

what do you think about it...

search.ebay.com/betta-live-fish_W0QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ3QQxpufuZx

live fish on ebay?

[crazkat]

welcome! That's a good size tank for your betta and his tankmates. A light is fine as long as your betta has a night and day; don't keep it on all time. As for the flaring, that's normal. Most betta owners put their male betta in front of a mirror 2 or three times a day, for five minutes at a time to give their betta exercise and stimulate him. However, if he's doing it non-stop it can be stressful. And I'd like to help about the live food, but I don't know anything about it, other than be careful because live food can carry parasites/infections. Good luck and enjoy your betta!

[teresa]

I wouldn't worry about the flaring...even if it seems constant for the first day or so. Bettas are generally pretty smart and will calm down once they are used to a new tank.
As long as he is eating and resting he should be just fine.

As for the bettas on ebay...is that not against their rules? I am a seller on ebay and I know there is a ton of stuff we are not allowed to sell, and I am sure live animals of any kind is one of the big no-nos.
And if it isn't against the rules it should be!! I am going to go and look at the rules and mention something to the seller.

[Rachel]

Unfortunately fish have been allowed for sale on eBay for a while now. You can also find things such as snails and live plants. eBay's "Animals and Wildlife Products" rules and regulations > click under "Some examples" for the tropical fish terms.

If you ask me, there are better resources out there to buy fish - such as locally, through a trusted breeder, or at aquabid.com since it is specifically for aquatic creatures.