23g Hex flatback for divided Betta tank

I'm moving my fish out of my 23g tank and into a 55 gallon tank. Is it possible for me to make my 23g tank a divided tank for two male Betta fish? The tank is 16 inches deep with a 2 inch substrate with the water being 1 inch from the top.

 

Go for it As long as you have a lot of plants that reach near the top, and not too much of a current, it should be fine. I wouldn't put a Halfmoon betta in there, but a Veil, Plakat, Crown, or Delta should be fine.

 

My second one is a Halfmoon. Why can't he go in there if you don't mind me asking?

 

My second one is a Halfmoon. Why can't he go in there if you don't mind me asking?

His fins may weigh him down too much, and tire him out before he gets to the surface to get air. You can try it, but just make sure he doesn't have any problems getting up to the top.

 

Would it work if I increased the substrate to 3 inches and added silk plants so he can rest?

 

yes that can work. Also you can try getting a floating betta log or a betta hammock to give him a resting place near the top. Just keep a close eye for a few days to see how he adapts.

 

Don't forget that bettas can actually breathe through their gills like normal fish. My crowntail rules my 55gal and spends little time at the top breathing.

OP, I think a 23gal FBH would make an EPIC divided betta tank! You'd have to do DIY dividers, though, because I'm not sure they make dividers that would be correctly sized for that side tank. Post pics when you're done!

 

Id say its ok. So long as your watching them and provide spaces near the top for resting, bettalogs are your friends. So long as your halfmoons finnage isn't tooo much he should be fine, though I might advise against putting any rosetails in there, their finnage is a real pain for them.