managing my landscaping

[zephyr8]

Hello everyone,

I'm having a bit of trouble with my fronts - they're super skittish.
Does anyone have experience with calming them down?

I know they're naturally shy, but the slightest movement outside the tank sends them running for cover for ages.
When they're hungry, they'll swim up to the front, but as soon as I open the lid or drop in some food, they're off again.

Any tips on how to tame them a bit?

regards,
Steven

[KookyBuck]

Sorry, but could you clarify what you mean by 'taming' fronts?

[zephyr8]

Apologies for the confusion, I'd be happy to clarify. By 'taming', I'm referring to the process of making my fronts more comfortable around humans, particularly my hand when it's near the tank.

The fronts in question are the standard blue Zambia, along with some 'red fronts' I purchased from a local shopkeeper who assured me they would turn dark blue in a few months.

[KookyBuck]

It's mainly about them getting comfortable with you and linking your face to food. My betta's been with me for a week now, and he's already coming to the front of the tank to grab a bloodworm from a straw - he even jumps up at the straw to catch the worm before it hits the water.

[zephyr8]

I gave it another shot last evening, doing things at a snail's pace to avoid spooking them. I walked up to the tank nice and slow, then carefully grabbed some food. Next, I slowly opened the tank, but those few water drops that fell in were enough to send them scurrying for cover - all the fronts vanished in an instant.

I'm planning to park myself beside the tank for hours on end with the top open, and whenever they muster the courage to come out of hiding, I'll gently slip my fingers in. It's all about persistence, I reckon.