Betta Breeding Question!?

[Satine S]

Ok, I need help. I am a first time betta breeder. I filled my ten gallon tank on saturday and put the heater on to 80 degrees. But I didn't put on the filter because I don't want to disturb his nest making. I put the male in the tank and the female in the hurricane glass later on saturday. I thought he would never make a bubble nest because I read that it would happen in 2-3 hours. So now, I see a thin row of bubbles under the styrofoam cup and some in the corner near the heater(he likes to hang out there where its warm) are thoses bubbles from him? And should I leave a flashlight on so he keeps making the nest tonight or should I just let him rest and start making it again tomarrow. And, how long is the water clean if I don't have a filter on and I just filled the tank on saturday? And PLEASE tell me all the rest you know that could help me. I REALLY need help. And please just help me. PLEASE!
Thanks!

[mdellasalla]

I wouldn't leave the light on all night. He has to sleep even though it is breeding time.

Making a bubble nest can take up to several days. Your fish may need more conditioning or they may not be interested in each other. Things won't just work because you followed directions, fish have distinct personalities that must be accounted for.

If you don't have a filter, you should still do a weekly water change. Just because they are breeding doesn't mean they make the tank less dirty.

I would say your fish just need more conditioning before they are ready. Did you wait until your female had stripes and was full of eggs? Did you feed them the right foods for a week or two before you put them together? Did you introduce them to each other before you put them in the tank together?

[hvincent]

You'll also need a plant or two so the female has somewhere to hide once in a while after you let her out. Otherwise, the male is going to beat the crap out of her.