Fin's re-designed home

I've had Fin for about 8 months and he's been moved from a 2 gallon bowl to a 5 gallon tank that I got from Wal-Mart. The filter was really freakin strong, so I went out and got a Tetra Whisper 3i, and aside from the noise, he seems to be tolerating the flow of water.

I also added a background and a new silk plant to go with what he had in the tank. If only I could get his tail to grow back. it was a long and flowing tail, but when I moved him into the 5 gallon, he just never got used to the current and the tail shrunk and shrunk. He continues to make bubble nests, which I assume is a happy and content fish, and he's eating well (whenever I open the lid, he shoots right up and swims from end to end with excitement).

As you can see in the picture, I have tried to get the floating plants near the filter to break up any excess water flow. He loves these, and is often seen hiding in there.

I would love to get real plants but where the tank is, no real light hits, except the one on the lid.

 

Awesome!

 

It looks really cool! VERY sponge bobby....

 

He's been swimming around endlessly. When he hangs out, he's been hanging out near the back of the tank, almost like he's trying to blend into the foliage on the background. He also really likes the floating plastic plants.

If I can find live plants that do well that don't require much light, I'll try to get them, especially if they float.

 

So far, a week in, Fin is loving his new home. The water is crystal clear, and he's been more active this week than he has in a long time.

I have added 1 tbsp of aquarium salt to his water in hopes that it will stimulate the growth of his tail that he lost while stressed from the overpowering filter.

On the side of the tank opposite the filter I have noticed he's making a bubble nest. I have a few questions about the nest he's making.

Does this mean he's ready for breeding?
Does it mean he's healthy, and is this normal?

 

Bubble nests seem to indicate the fish is happy and living in an optimum environment. Your tank is really lovely.... Fin is a lucky guy!!