how do i build a tank divider for a small tank?

[Prometheus]

iv got to get 2 of my bettas out of their little betta bowls and into better homes. i want to divide a 5.5 gallon in half. how can i do that effectively and economically? to be honest this will be a long term investment so it doesnt even have to be that cheap it just has to be worth it. and preferably, id like to be able to remove it later so i can go back to using the full tank if i ever need to.

 

[andres]

Get a sheet of acrylic to divide the tank. Drill small holes or slits into the side for water movement. Silicone it in. The better a silicone job you do, the more difficult it will be to remove at a later time. If you dont think your bettas are gonna be bashing it like crazy, you may not have to attach it very tight. They also make suction cup dividers. You can even get an egg crate and cut it to fit from a hardware store.

Sheet of acrylic will look best IMO.

 

[Pharaoh]

I agree with the silicone and a piece of acrylic.

 

[Prometheus]

dont they make colored acrylic? that way the bettas wouldnt try and fight each other. does aquarium silicone stick to acrylic?

 

[andres]

dont they make colored acrylic? that way the bettas wouldnt try and fight each other. does aquarium silicone stick to acrylic?

They make it in colors, not sure where to get it though. You could spray paint it if you wanted it a solid color. It will bond the the acrylic, its not going to be a very strong acrylic / glass bond, but it is not supporting the weight of the water like the tank does.

 

[DiverDan]

Get a sheet of acrylic to divide the tank. Drill small holes or slits into the side for water movement. Silicone it in. The better a silicone job you do, the more difficult it will be to remove at a later time. If you dont think your bettas are gonna be bashing it like crazy, you may not have to attach it very tight. They also make suction cup dividers. You can even get an egg crate and cut it to fit from a hardware store.

Yeah, I'd do the acrylic. for a 5.5 gallon tank I would just worry more about keeping your fish safe than your tank reusable.

luck

 

[Prometheus]

ya i might not be able to take it apart, my main concern is finding a material they cant see through, cause i know if they can they probably will constantly just go at each other despite not being able to get to the other. iv thought about getting two clear glass panes that fit and putting them about half an inch apart in the middle, then just drop something like a piece of construction paper in between. that way i can lift it up occasionally and give them some exercise.

 

[svtim]

i went to the dollar store and got a (report binder) then used some plastic from the walmart crafts section. silicone a divider on both sides of the tank and slid the plastic in place it cost me 2. dollars plus the silicone that i had