Dividing a tank for bettas..fun and low cost

Heres how I divide my betta tanks....

I purchase mesh/plastic dividers that people use for needlepoint ..you can get them at most craft stores and walmart and mine came in a pack of 10 different colors for approx $6-7 ..also purchase plastic binder holders for notebooks (that's the blue strip) and you can get them just about anywhere also..I got mine at staples for approx 5 in a package for $4-5




you cut the mesh to the size of the tank...allowing minimal space for the plastic binders to go on all 4 sides....when putting them into the tank, it should be done with bare bottom with no subtrate underneath it because these bettas will dig under if they can..once you have them in tightly, no room on sides or bottom, you can put in your subtrate of choice and build it up a little bit on the bottom of the divider...this is very important that you don't cut it too small where they can slide through the sides, or too long so the divider bends at all..you want it totally straight and tight.....

when filling the tank, leave about 2-3 inches below the divider at the top because they will jump over the divider as well.....

heres a few of my tanks with them in there














remember when dividing any bettas, that after 2 weeks they are still stressed/flaring, they are not going to work in a divided tank without being not able to see one another..that's very important ....but some of the mesh comes with very dark colors and I also double up the mesh for the nawty boys/girls who don't relax

 

We are just about ready to add our betta's to our divided tank...ala Shawnie! We have a few things to tweak and hopefully in the next couple days my boys will be in there!

Shawnie...in the full tank pic, what is the blue tube thing on the bottom in that runs through the 2 right sections??

 

We are just about ready to add our betta's to our divided tank...ala Shawnie! We have a few things to tweak and hopefully in the next couple days my boys will be in there!

Shawnie...in the full tank pic, what is the blue tube thing on the bottom in that runs through the 2 right sections??

that long blue thing is a bubble wand that goes in both compartments...but I have extra subtrate and marbles built well around the bottom as it leaves a space for the wand to go thru both sides....

 

Thanks! I was curious. We have ours divided into 3 sections with 2 bubblers on the ends and an air stone in the middle. I'm glad I got 2 big pieces of mesh, we cut the first too small, $1.29 a sheet, no biggie! I'm fitting them back in now to make sure they are very tight!

When I get it all done I will post pics. It's not quite as colorful as yours, lol! But you did inspire me to pick up some sparkly stuff for them.

 

the notebook binders are very important too..did you get some of those? I'm glad you are learning from trial and error as these kids are tricky and will find a ton of spaces that you don't always see...I learned that the hard way can't wait to see pics!!!!!!!

 

I did find the binders, at Staples, they had a pack of 6 for $2.50 so we got 2 packs. WalMart had the mesh, wish I'd waited, it was a 6 pack for $.99! sigh...I know where to get it next time.

I've built up the gravel quite a bit so if they are going to dig, they are going to have to do some serious digging!! I've got about 2-3 inches in there and then some nice pebbles on top of that. WM had little bags of jewels/gems for $1.50 a bag and I got 3 different color combo's to go with the coloring of each betta. Just have to work on plants.

thanks for ALL your help!

 

I find the color canvas works better than the white/clear. they can't see though it as easily so there is less stress.

 

bettas like more longer tanks than taller ..they need that surface and don't always have the strength to get to the top of the taller tanks...so the 20 gal long will be perfect! and if you decided to divide a taller tank, you just don't fill it all the way to the top

 

Exactly what I was lookin' for. thanks. just curious how much did the 20gal long run you. I been lookin' for one but not sure what's a good price range. what kind of lid do you have on that. and do you just cut the mesh exactly the width so it fits snuggly? and could I stick corries or otos in there with a betta

college student that loves bettas= I wanna maximize the amount of bettas with the least amount of money. thanks for sharing!

 

my 20gal long was given to me...but used, I wouldnt pay more than 1-2 dollars a gallon...I have the mesh on top for a lid as I move their bubble wands around to different compartments ever week...you cut the mesh so its a tight fit with the blue plastic pices on it...you want no spaces or bends in the mesh or you will have escape artists...as far as putting cories or ottos in there, each betta is different...so if you choose to attempt that, have a back up plan (another tank) if your bettas are nawty...good luck!

 

heyy, when I fitted my dividers. they were Perfect. but when I put the gravel and water in. the tank bowed a little making them a little loose. I used paper clips similiar to the ones they use in the store bought ones. to clip it.works Great tho

 

careful that the paper clips don't get wet mcub..they will rust in the tank and water

 

For those who want to fill their tanks to the top a piece of the plastic canvas on the top to form a T shaped divider (about 4 inches wide the width of the tank) will keep them from being able to go over the top and still allow the light to come through.

The idea is great and well worth trying if you want to do this. I put the binder edges in with silicone when I did it and it really helped to stabilize the whole thing.

Rose

If you get brass paper clips they will not rust in the water or cause a problem. I had brass in my tank for years and it was fine.

Rose

 

you shouldnt need paper clips at all if its cut and fitted correctly...ive never used them in the few years ive had them divided...I think the cutting and placing is almost as important as making sure they can't jump over or under the divider....the slightest fraction of too short, or too long of a cut, will allow them to get through and that's trouble

 

hI do you think you could put this on a video I keep on failing lol so it would help me so much.

 

Wish I did have it on a video

I wish I did have it on a video but I quit dividing my tanks a long time ago and no longer have the tank I divided. I used that method and it works but do not have any bettas in divided tanks anymore. I hope someone can help you though as if you want to do it the method is easier than any I have ever used.

Rose

 

Shawnie, your tank looks awesome.... What does the "bathtub" in the third picture do, is it a "bubbler"?

Robin

 

hI do you think you could put this on a video I keep on failing lol so it would help me so much.

Shawnie, your tank looks awesome.... What does the "bathtub" in the third picture do, is it a "bubbler"?

Robin

the tubbie is a plastic doll house piece that has the bubble wand going up behind it lol ...dont tell my granddaughter I took it from her dollhouse tho

 

Great video Shawnie. Looks like your boys are enjoying their condo. lol
Is that a 20 long?

 

lol @ condo..and yes 20 gallon long

 

so you used no silicone whatsoever for the dividers?? We just rescued a Betta from my cousin(a teen who has no desire to actually care for a fish). So now we're transforming our 5.5 gallon into two for Scrooge and Mr. Fishie.

 

so you used no silicone whatsoever for the dividers?? We just rescued a Betta from my cousin(a teen who has no desire to actually care for a fish). So now we're transforming our 5.5 gallon into two for Scrooge and Mr. Fishie.

silicone can be used...but you don't need it if you cut it properly, and use the blue plastic binder holders...bettas can dig under , jump over, and squeeze through the sides..so make sure its secure

 

how do you decide where to put the heater and filter once the tank is divided?

 

how do you decide where to put the heater and filter once the tank is divided?

my heater and filter goes in the middle..and air stones in each compartment besides...

 

Sorry, I meant if you divide a 10 gallon tank into 2.

 

I always keep the heater near the filter outtake...and put the air stone on the other side..

 

I have a question. Is there something you can use in lieu of the report binder clip things? I have looked EVERYWHERE (Walmart, K-Mart, Target, Office Max, and Staples...which are pretty much all my choices) and can't find anything even remotely similar to them. I know what they are because I've used them before ages ago, but for some reason I can't find them. I need to divide one of my 10gals soon and need to temporarily divide my 29gal (until my 55gal gets up and cycled), but I don't want to pay $7-10+ for a divider. Thanks!

 

read this a few days ago, thanks so much! I couldn't find any blue binder clips so I just siliconed a canvas into the tank. I was worried it wouldn't stay put but it's in there solidly. I also wanted my tank water level to the top, and not 2-3 inches below the top for jumpers, so I cut and custom fit canvas to the top of the tank to prevent jumpers. I don't have any bettas in there yet but should in about a week or so

 

read this a few days ago, thanks so much! I couldn't find any blue binder clips so I just siliconed a canvas into the tank. I was worried it wouldn't stay put but it's in there solidly. I also wanted my tank water level to the top, and not 2-3 inches below the top for jumpers, so I cut and custom fit canvas to the top of the tank to prevent jumpers. I don't have any bettas in there yet but should in about a week or so

why didnt you jsut end up buying jsut 2 binder things?

 

This looks great! Exactly what I'm going to do. I have a male and a female that I want to put in a divided tank to save on power. So, I should just have the heater on one side, and the filter on another, and that will be okay for both of them?

 

keep the heater and filter in the middle of the tank and add a small air stone on the side without the filter...that way you have water movement on both sides and residue won't build up

 

so, one on either side of the divider, just very close to it? (forgive me, sometimes I need things kinda spelled out >< haha I'm so neurotic with my animal children.) Thank you for answering so quickly! =)

 

so, one on either side of the divider, just very close to it? (forgive me, sometimes I need things kinda spelled out >< haha I'm so neurotic with my animal children.) Thank you for answering so quickly! =)

dont be sorry and yes that can work ..I like to keep my heaters where water circulates around them ...just don't put it too close to the plastic mesh

 

Is there a way to get the dividers to stay firmly in place without siliconing them? I want to eventually get a 20gL and divide it for the boys, but until then I have the 10gals for them (two of them). I would like to either be able to sell the 10gal I have these DIY dividers in or use the tank for something else once I get the 20gL, and I can't really do that if I have six binder clips siliconed in place. lol I really only have one that moves and already I've had the boys get in with each other because the divider fell (my new red male with the rayed anal and dorsal fins, Edward, got part of his tail savaged by Gordon, my son's betta who is half Edward's size). I've tried shoring the gravel up on either side of it, but it doesn't seem to help. Thanks!

 

Is there a way to get the dividers to stay firmly in place without siliconing them? I want to eventually get a 20gL and divide it for the boys, but until then I have the 10gals for them (two of them). I would like to either be able to sell the 10gal I have these DIY dividers in or use the tank for something else once I get the 20gL, and I can't really do that if I have six binder clips siliconed in place. lol I really only have one that moves and already I've had the boys get in with each other because the divider fell (my new red male with the rayed anal and dorsal fins, Edward, got part of his tail savaged by Gordon, my son's betta who is half Edward's size). I've tried shoring the gravel up on either side of it, but it doesn't seem to help. Thanks!

if they are cut properly for a snug fit, and cut the binders as well, you shouldnt have slippage....putting them in with a bare bottom tank and then adding the subtrate of choice, makes them much more sturdy as well ...mine are not siliconed either

 

I had the same problem with them somehow (MAGICALLY) completely switching sides twice! And then Opal got in with Bleu twice after that. So I had to adjust the binder clips and make sure they're right up against the wall. There were a couple places where they might squeeze through, so I took some squares of the mesh I had cut off, cut them to size, and them 'sewed' them onto the existing mesh with plastic twist ties (just thread them through). I also did this to fill a gap in the top where the lid is so they can't jump that either. So far no mishaps.

 

I re-adjusted it yesterday after the it appears to be holding really well. Unfortunately, the tank was already set up and established, so removing the substrate wasn't an option. Anyway, everyone is happy where they are (Edward even built a bubble nest!! My first one ever from any of my boys!), so there they will stay. Thanks, guys!

I'm glad its working better! but you can move the subtrate with your fingers to make sure the dividers are sitting on bare tank then move the subtrate back against the dividers...many bettas can dig under and find spaces like its no tomorrow

 

That's what I ended up doing this time. I had pushed the divider down into the substrate before, but when I redid it, I actually moved the gravel away, then put it back after the canvas was touching the glass bottom of the tank.

 

I just did this to divide my 10g! So economical. I spent:

.89 jumbo paper clip
.89 jumbo paper clip
.49 binder
.49 binder
.39 quickcount plastic mesh

for a grand total of $3.15!

I straightened out the jumbo paper clips (originally about 1" across and maybe 4" tall) to attach the binders to the side. It worked out beautifully actually. And by that I mean it worked out well, not that it was aesthetically pleasing...

I got everything but the plastic mesh from an office supply store, and the plastic mesh from Michael's (a craft/hobby store).

 

Would dividing a 6ft tank work? Does anyone have any idea roughly how many gallons that is ???