Light on betta fish tank?

Question

I bought a light to put on top of my betta fish tank to try and keep the water warm. However when it,s on my fish seems to freak out-he keeps puffing up his gills!! I thought he was lacking oxygen but my husband thinks he feels threatened and tries to look tough. Any ideas??

Answer 1

The light may be causing reflections which he sees his own reflection as another betta. Try putting a background around the outside of the tank (even if just a towel or newspaper to test this) or placing plants (real or fake) along the inside.

Lights aren't the best method of heating the water - you can't control the temperature and they do nothing at night (and the lights shouldn't be on for 24 hrs.). If he's in a smaller tank (5 gallons or under) you can get adjustable heaters in a 25 watt size that will be better suited for small tanks and keep the water warm all the time: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/11431/product.web - adjustable temperature (preferred)
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10464/product.web - non adjustable

Bettas can breathe air at the surface, so they can do this to get oxygen if needed. Although they don't require a filter or airstone , the will benefit from gentle water movement.

Answer 2

A light bulb for heating the water is worse than just warming by room temp. It can get too hot.

Answer 3

try to take the light away
if ur fish still does that somthing is wrong