first time breeding issues with male betta not creating bubble nest

[fruitbox]

I've got my male and female fin tank paired up now, as of today. The female is in a jar inside the male's tank, and at first, she had those scaredy stripes but they've changed to breeding stripes now. My water parameters are all good, temp is spot on, and there are plants floating on the surface, but the male still isn't building a bubble nest. They've been together for an hour and a half, and I'm not sure whether to release the female without the male's bubble nest.

[Rizen]

Hi, I'm still pretty new to this so I'm not entirely sure I'm on the right track here. I did a bit of digging and came across a site that mentioned betta breeding is usually most successful when they're young, roughly between 4-12 months with 14 being the max. Water quality and environment are probably also major factors though. Would it be possible to see a picture of your breeding setup and get an idea of your water conditions - ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, gH, and temperature?

[fruitbox]

Hi, I'm still pretty new to this so I'm not entirely sure I'm on the right track here. I did a bit of digging and came across a site that mentioned betta breeding is usually most successful when they're young, roughly between 4-12 months with 14 being the max. Water quality and environment are probably also major factors though. Would it be possible to see a picture of your breeding setup and get an idea of your water conditions - ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, gH, and temperature?

I'm just taking the pics now. The ammonia's 0, pH is around 7.2/7.3, temp is 76F and nitrites are 0.

[fruitbox]

I'm having trouble attaching a photo, but my tank is a Nexus Pure 15 with a few decorations - a rock in the middle, some plants, part of a plastic cup, and a small piece of bubble wrap floating on the surface.

[fruitbox]

The female still has her breeding stripes, I was wondering if I should release her now or wait a bit longer, the male still isn't building a bubble nest.

[fruitbox]

Also, I've noticed he's trying to make a nest, he blows around 2 bubbles but then they pop. I'm wondering if I can help him out by creating a makeshift bubble nest using a straw or something, or is a natural bubble nest really vital for the breeding process?

[luminx]

Try giving the male frozen or live foods, see if that encourages him to build a bubble nest.

[fruitbox]

Try giving the male frozen or live foods, see if that encourages him to build a bubble nest.

Would frozen brine shrimp be an alternative to frozen or live foods to encourage the male to breed?

[kingrise]

It's worth considering that individual betta preferences play a significant role here. I concur with luminx, what works for one might not work for another, so it's essential to observe and respond to your betta's unique tastes.

[fruitbox]

Still no bubble nest after the dried brine shrimp, I'm starting to get a bit worried. Should I take the plunge and try live foods to see if that sparks something?