New Beta Owner Why is he making bubble nests with no female to court? I have two tanks to make cleaning easier?

I recently bought a beautiful purplish blue beta with silvery streaks in his fins. I have placed a water lily in one and am waiting for it to open and take root. At present it just a tad below the surface of the water.

I don't feed him as often as the food says to. If I do, the water gets cloudy and has an odd smell. And he literally looks unhappy. I only use bottled water as chlorine makes me sick too. It nearly killed me when I was little so I know it isn't good for anything that's alive.

He is very smart, already knows he's getting fed when I rattle his fish food. Don't seem to like the flakes I bought him to help his general health and produce more brilliant color. If I move my fingers near the tank, he swims to them, and since he sits above my PC; he watches me off and on while he swims. I decided that once a week I will place a mirror near him so he can flair and do his male territory thing with his reflection too.

I guess it won't be long until the lily will open. It seems to move on its own almost looks as if it is pulsing. Though it could come from the ground shaking when heavy trucks pass here. Anyone know how long it takes a water lily to sprout and take root on the marbles on the tank floor?

If anyone can give me pointers on my new fish I'd sure appreciate it. He is the only live pet I can have where I am living at at present. I love all sorts of animals. Horses, dogs, cats, birds, snakes, rabbits,fish, turtles and such.

If I can find say a half gallon square or oblong tank I plan to put in a "cave" for him to hide in if he wants too. Right now what I have is just big enough for a fake water flower, the live lily and him.

But so far I just want to know if the bubble nest without a female is something the males do from stress, or just the need to make more Beta's. I am not planning on breeding any time in the near future. But would like my pet fish to be as happy and healthy as possible. PLEASE wise cracks about fish mating will only prove to me that you have less sense than my fish friend.

any info about how long it takes a lily to put down roots etc. And any general info on Betas will be appreciated.

Thanks for good answers.