1. I pick the pair I want to spawn and I always have a backup pair in case either male or female is not compatible.
2. I prepare the spawning pairs with good frozen food or live food feedings at least twice a day.
3. I place the males and females side by side in containers so they can view each other for three or four days, then I completely isolate them from all Bettas for three days. They say loneliness makes the heart grow fonder.
Spawning tank preparation.
1. Use tanks from 2 1/2 gallon to 10 gallon.
2. Add new water to a depth of 5 inches
3. Place a heater in the tank and set temperature at 82 degrees.
4. I add floating plants at this time, usually Water Sprite.
5. Add clay pots in the tank on their sides, with the hole enlarged or the Bettas will get stuck trying to get through them. Sometimes the Male builds his nest under the lip of one and the female uses the other as hiding area.
6. I also add a glass candle chimney.
7. I cover 80% of the top of the tank with Saran Wrap. This helps keep the temperature in the tank and the air above the water at a constant temperature. It also helps avoid drafts and makes it easier for the male to build and maintain his bubble nest.
Adding the Bride and Groom.
1. I add the male first to get him accustomed to the surroundings for a good two hours.
2. I then add the female and gently place her in the glass chimney. This allows the Male and Female to view each other and increases the "urge" to spawn.
3. Usually after two to eight hours the Male has begun a bubble nest. If the Female has "barred up" I release her by just pulling the chimney out. "Barring up" means she displays her willingness to spawn by producing dark horizontal bars across her body. Usually she is ready but I will still leave her in the tank for a day or two.
4. I leave a small light on above the tank all the time. Usually a 30 watt small bulb.
5. Spawning usually occurs that evening or the within the next two days.
6. You will notice the that both Bettas will have some good sparring matches and fights and fin tearing. This is Nature's way for each Betta to show the other they are strong and they will produce strong kids that will survive in the wild.
7. I remove the female after spawning and put her in a recovery jar with medication. If they did not spawn after three days I will remove the female and if the Male did not build a nest I will remove him and add the substitute I had all ready picked out and prepared.
8. When the fry become free swimming, I remove the Male and place him in a medicated jar.
Here are few picturs of a nest and a pair caught in the act.
The nest
Standing gaurd
The female approaches
The male embraces
The eggs release
