Betta flaring causing ragged tail... what to do?

[serbusfish]

I thought my betta had fin rot as his tail became ragged soon after I bought him so I moved him to a hospital tank and his tail started getting better, so I put him back in my main tank but now I think it is getting worse again.

In the hospital tank I have no light and he never once flared, however when the tank light is on in my main tank he catches sight of his reflection a lot and flares, so it seems to me his damaged tail is being caused by him regularly flaring. I have tried to disguise his reflection but I still have to keep my room light on at night or he will flare at the front of the glass.

What can I do about this? I dont want to take him back to the shop as I love his and his personality, but I cant treat his tail as I dont have room to set up the hospital tank permanently.

[nikelodeon79]

He might also be flaring at the other fish. Some bettas are simply too aggressive for community tanks. He may settle down after awhile, though.

Tail fins usually would not generally get ragged from flaring, though, so I would suspect another cause: tail biting, fin nipping by the other fish, or water quality.

[fishmommie]

He might also be flaring at the other fish. Some bettas are simply too aggressive for community tanks. He may settle down after awhile, though.

Tail fins usually would not generally get ragged from flaring, though, so I would suspect another cause: tail biting, fin nipping by the other fish, or water quality.

+ to this. I was thinking the same thing. Could someone be nipping his tail? All that beautiful finnage can quickly become a target.

[Tiari]

My guess would be lighting. Betta do not really care for bright lights, and often they can make a mirror effect against the walls of the glass on the inside, making them think they are constantly in the presence of another male Betta.

Is the tank heavily planted? If not, you could try placing in more plants, either real, or plastic to break up the views of the glass.