What material to use for dividing tank?

I've just read through Shawnie's thread about dividing tanks for bettas with mesh sheets, and since I can't get them in my town, what else would work? A sheet of acrylic? Aida (material like the Mesh that is made out of cotton instead, used for cross stitch)? Any suggestions on these, and anything else?

 

I used a sheet of pre hole drilled Plexi-glass that is a 1/2" thick, you will need a table saw to cut to the demensions you want, but Home Depot or Lowes may be able to cut it for you.

If they don't have predrilled just drill holes your self about 1/4" going across where the water level is and down in rows.

 

Would you post a picture of yours? Sadly, we don't have Home Depot or Lowes over here, but I'm fairly handy with DIY, so I could do it myself. I've been reading up and it says a solid sheet of acrylic is unsuitable. Is this true? If so, why?

 

it doesn't allow for water flow.

 

it doesn't allow for water flow.

Okay, thanks.

 

That's why you want a series of holes where the water level will so the top of the water cosent become stagnent, as well a series of holes from top to bottom to allow current to flow through it, one idea I had to help filter both sides of the tank.

Where the divider is, place a hob right in the middle of it, with the inlet on one side and out let on the other side, this will safetly and efficiently filter both halfs of smaller tanks.

Ill check to see what pics I currently have (I'm mobile and not going to be home till Sunday) if I have some ill post them.

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I got one picture for you, its jetts (betta) house and then my 102 gallon tank

 

Thanks for the pic, Adam. These holes are 1/4" across? And you secure the acrylic in the same way as the mesh in Shawnie's thread? And, could you just have a regular filter on one side of the tank, and then the water will go through the holes?

 

The hole layout I recommended to you isn't the same as what I have, I have 1/2" holes and there is a row on each side of the division as well as one at the top and bottom, mine was a pre drilled sheet that I have a 8' by 5'peice of laying around.

I highly recommend you don't follow the 1/2" holes as mine currently is, Bettas can fit through it. Id go with 1/4" or actually a little smaller.

You can have a filter on one side both the inlet and outlet, just won't clean the other half as well.

To mount I just pushed to bottom of tank and I have a clip at the topholding it against a support peice of glass.

 

Well, I think I might go with two filters, one for either side, and act as if they are two different tanks.

 

Ok, just so you know bettas like slow current which I am sure you already do know.

Also they love tall big bushy plants, and heated water.

Then filtration general rule is 3x to 10x water per gallon turn over is minimum and a great top number.

Always get filters that would work for future expansion, saves lots of money in the future.

If your going to use a 10 gallon, I recommend a 5 gallon / 5 gallon split (lol) and a AC30. Placing the Inlet on the left side of the section and the waterfall on the right side, this will filter both sides perfectly!

 

Okay, thanks. I'm not sure about the availability og AC's over here, but I'll try to get something similar. What about a few small Hagen Stingrays? And, after reading a few posts, I might split it into 3.

 

I have never used them or had any encounter with them.

They are an underwater filter used in smaller tanks I see.

Usually when you have under water filters they have small current and I actually think they would work great for a double Betta tank!

 

With there being a filter on either side, does the acrylic need the holes? And how do I secure it into the tank?

 

If you have deep enough gravel it will just stand there if you cut a tight fit as mine will not fall over because you have to pull straight up or it won't come out.

Also you can use silicon adhesive you can get from petstores, and hardware if yu know what to get, and allow time for it to dry completely, id still add like at least 4 to 6 holes to allow the water to be shared, its easier for bigger tanks water conditions to stay stable compared to smaller, it is safer and better for fish, along with easier to care for.

 

Okay, thanks for all your help Adam.

 

No problem at all, I am glad to help others become sucsessful aquarists.

 

That's why you want a series of holes where the water level will so the top of the water cosent become stagnent, as well a series of holes from top to bottom to allow current to flow through it, one idea I had to help filter both sides of the tank.

Where the divider is, place a hob right in the middle of it, with the inlet on one side and out let on the other side, this will safetly and efficiently filter both halfs of smaller tanks.

Ill check to see what pics I currently have (I'm mobile and not going to be home till Sunday) if I have some ill post them.

********
I got one picture for you, its jetts (betta) house and then my 102 gallon tank

Honestly using the mesh I still felt like I didnt have enough water movement or adequate filtration, so I used two filters.