is it okay to attach i mirror to the outside of my betta's cage?

Question

its a small lipstick mirror and i was wondering if it gave the betta something to do or if it would make it happier?

or is it pointless and stupid?

Answer 1

Only leave the mirror there for 10 minutes to 30 minutes a day. If he is there for too long (consecutive hours), the betta's fins will start to fray and rip. If there are plastic plants or any other sharp objects, there's added risk of the betta ripping its fins against them.

It's good for the betta to have the mirror there for 10 mins - 30 mins so that it is active for some time. Some people leave them for an hour or longer. Although nothing too bad will happen, it may cause stress, especially toward agressive ones.

Answer 2

I have a beta and i read that if a beta sees its reflection that it thinks
its another fish and that it will freak out and it's fins will flare because
it is getting ready to fight and that this is not a good thing. So they
recomend putting different color paper or flowered gift wrap outside of the tank around it etc.
to cut down on the glare and use as a nice distraction for the fish. I have added plants and some rocks to mine
also. My beta is in a small 1/2 gallon aquarium with an air filter.
They can breathe air on their own and you will usually see them go up
to the top for air once in a while but I read that while they can survive in a small fish bowl that they actually like other fish prefer
something a little nicer with more room , air filter, etc. My tank has a light on it
also but no filter so I change the water weekly. I read about beta's
on the internet and asked at Petco. They were quite helpful.

Answer 3

I'm hoping you mean betta tank. But yes you can put a mirror there but like some others have said only do it for a short amount of time when you do it. They can become very stressed out if its there too long. Many people do that though when their betta has become bored and isn't as active as it once was.

Answer 4

Hanging a mirror there is not a good idea, unless you want your betta to be constantly trying to fight the mirror, plus be stressed out and have a weakened immune system.

The reason why people put mirrors near their bettas' tanks is to see them flare out and really display their fins. This is alright to do once in a while, but it is extremely stressful to the fish if the mirror is there constantly. The poor betta would be in a constant state of battle-readiness, which would not only tire him out, but he would try to fight instead of eating properly, his immune system would become suppressed from the stress, which could cause him to become very ill, and even kill him.

I hope this helps!

Answer 5

It wouldn't do any of those things. it definetly won't make your fish happier, and it's not pointless. If you want to piss off your fish, and stress it out so bad to the point that it dies, then go ahead. Cause that's all attaching a mirror to your fish tank will do to your betta.

Answer 6

If your betta is in a cage it is already in a happier place, and could care less what is outside of it's old cage.

Answer 7

Why not just get another one, and let em' duke it out! That's essentially what your are envoking by placing the mirror there 24/7. They are very beautiful fish and it is facinating to watch there reaction to themselves...ONCE IN A WHILE! That's my personal take on the subject, I am no expert on this species of fish.

Answer 8

You can do this but I don't advise in leaving it there the whole time..It will continue to fight thinking its another betta and it could die. I would only do it for a couple of minutes if that.

Answer 9

It wouldnt really matter if you did. Mostly, bird keepers put in mirrors in their bird's cage if their is only one bird, to create the illusion of another bird in the cage, this might work to, but if the fish starts bumping into the wall, take it off. You should probalbly try it if your fish is alone.

Answer 10

that is fine for short periods of time just if you want to see them flare up but not for long it is VERY stressful on them! they HATE each other and want to kill one another so to have a mirror in front of him all the time is 24hour a day stress!! his life will be shorter and very unhappy! imagine if you wanted to fight your worst enemy 24-7! they perfer to be alone..they dont even like females unless they are breeding and even then once the eggs are laid he will kill her if she doesnt get out fast! instead give him a small plastic plant that reaches to the top of the water and something to hide behind if he wants and dont keep him in those tiny bowls they are sold in they do like to swim around a little! he will LOVE you!!