Splitting a tank in 2 (Full sealed divider)

Okay, I had a strange idea today. I have a 75 gallon I want to use on a new rack I'm building, but quite honestly, I don't want to use the whole 75 gallon for a single tank. However, it would be super efficient to use it for maximizing space, if I could effectively seal and split it. Not thinking actual divider, but like a piece of glass or plexi and actual sealant to turn it into two (or more) tanks.

The reason to fully separate is for possibly different water types in each (brackish in one, and fresh in another section). I understand obviously if seal broke, I'd risk the water leaking over, but this is true with any other tank where a seal could break and water spill into other tanks (below that tank).

Anyhow anyone ever actually do this? Is this just a dumb idea because there's something I'm not thinking of? (And I'm quite okay with being told its a stupid idea HAHA).

Thanks!

 

How would your prevent fish from jumping into the other side of the tank?

 

How would your prevent fish from jumping into the other side of the tank?

Same way you would from them jumping out of the aquarium, a lid, making sure the divider goes high enough/etc. I might have to reduce water level a little.

 

Same way you would from them jumping out of the aquarium, a lid, making sure the divider goes high enough/etc. I might have to reduce water level a little.

Oh yeah I forgot about that. The divider idea just reminded me of my rasbora fry that were in a breeding net for a while and an adult rasbora jumped in and ate them.

 

I have built acrilic compartments into glass tanks before with pretty good success, it would be easiest to do a glass wall though, getting acrilic to stick to glass with fish safe adhesive is part dark arts. Most of my stuff has been for sumps or internal filters but I do have a 20 long partitioned off with a diagonal acrilic brace for a dry side, it only holds pressure one direction due to using acrylic. I have plans to divide it into 3 sections for grow out tanks just like you describe and I'm sure it will work well with glass, once I no longer need the dry side.

The challenging aspect: all standard fish tanks bow a little when full. This fact means that either your divider will need to be put in with the tank under tension, or that your adhesive bond needs to be flawless. I would use glass that matches the thickness of the side walls of the tank if you can find it (maybe even a leaky donor tank from craigslist etc).

Make sure you measure with a very good square to get the glass size right (none of these tanks are perfect from the factory); cut the glass 1/8" too small, this will allow a 1/16" silicone bond on the side edges. Next you will need to radius the bottom two corners to leave the tanks existing seals un tampered with. Finally use a high quality silicone and a well practiced motion to rotate the glass into place, make sure there are no air bubbles, smooth the seam with your finger or a spudger. I personally have started leaving my excess silicone to dry and get cut off later vs messing with chemical clean up while it's wet. Also, to help with alignment, I tape the pieces where I want them, then trace then from the outside of the tank with maker. Glue them in, line then up and tape them again to dry.

This glass center wall is now a tank brace and your tank should bow significantly less, but differently. Test it to make sure it's safe in various fill conditions. The first time you fill, fill the two sides at similar rates, look at the bow on the front and rear panels, if they are even, slowly drain one side a little at a time until you have one empty, one full. While it's half empty, look at the bowing again, then transfer water so the opposite side is full/empty. If the bowing is consistent and the center glass takes the pressure; cycle, scape, and finally, put the fish in .


I think it's a good idea if you have the space and the tank. I'm a bit unconventional though. Post some updates if you go ahead with it, I like seeing projects go from idea to completed.

 

John58ford THANK YOU! That is super detailed and the information I was wondering about exactly for doing something like this!