my amazing betta (Bob)

Question
I have a gorgeous blue male betta that I am very attached to even though I've only had him for two weeks. He is in a 2 gal. tank (or is something that size called a bowl? I'm not entirely sure)with a little vase inside for him to hide in that I bough at the petstore, a little plastic tree (at first I was worried that he might get cut on it because it does appear like it could prick him but its relatively soft to the touch and after observing Bob for a long time everyday I've noticed that he really likes the tree and hasn't hurt himself on it. I'm still going to keep close watch just in case) also glow in the dark plant that is very soft and bob absolutely loves to swim through it, a few marbles, a shell, and of course gravel. I feed him two or three pellets in the morning and the same amount when I come home from work at night (usually from 11 till 2.) Starting this week a started skipping a day so he can pass everything through his system. Also I am going to be on my way to a petstore tomorrow to buy some other food for him so he has some variety in his diet and more protein. Its my first fish ever and I already love him a whooole lot so I wanna make sure he's happy. He seems very active (I keep the water at 78-80 degrees and change 30% of the water in the middle of the week and a 100% change at the end of the week) I tease him with colorful feathers for about 10 mins every day so he flares up and has some excitement in his life (I ofcourse don't put the feathers IN the water. Just by the tank)and twice I tried putting a mirror on the outside but he doesn't really react to it. Even though he is extremely active, eats right and looks healthy, I am still wondering if I'm doing anything wrong. Is a 2 gal. too small for one betta? Is having the shell in there a good idea? And is there more I can do to make sure he loves me like I love him? (He occasionally makes bubble nests but I'm not sure if that's an indication of his happiness or just that he wants to be a daddy)

Answer
Hi Olga,
  It sounds like you are doing a great job with Bob.  A 2 gallon tank is not huge, so you might consider upgrading to a 10 gallon tank.  Bob would like that.

  The shell shouldn't be a problem.  One thing you might consider doing differently is the 100% water change.  Generally it is not a good idea to change 100% of the water all at once.  Changing 30% twice a week is probably fine.  

  You are correct that the bubble nesting means that he is keeping his eye out for a female and he is ready in case one should happen by.  Male bettas are eternally hopeful.   

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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