Betta Divider

Betta Divider: How to Make DIY Betta Fish Tank Dividers at Home

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Most store-bought tank dividers are cheaply made and hardly fit the average size aquarium. However, if you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease, you can make your own betta divider that will be both custom-fit and sturdier than its flimsy counterparts–all for less money.

Here are some ideas for making DIY tank dividers:

Create a Simple Divider Using Craft Mesh and Binder Spines

If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to divide your fish tank, look no further! This divider can be custom cut to fit any size or shape of the tank, and all you need are some simple materials that can be found at any Walmart or craft store.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A package of plastic mesh sheets, similar to those used for needlepoint and craft projects
  • Spines for report covers (available at any office supply store)
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Scissors or Exacto knife

Now, let’s get started:

  1. To start, use a measuring tape to cut the plastic mesh sheets so that they fit snugly around your fish tank
  2. Afterward, place each side into the report cover spines to make the divider stronger and less flexible
  3. Next, slide the divider into your empty tank. On either side of the divider, start to build up a layer of sand and gravel

Make a Duplicate Craft Mesh Guard for Extra Protection

This divider is similar to the craft mesh divider, but with a few added features. It has space for an aquatic plant, suction cups for extra security, and two screens instead of one.

If you’re looking for a healthy and happy fish tank, then this is the divider for you.

You will need the following items:

  • Plastic mesh sheets
  • Plastic report cover spines
  • Ruler, pencil, and scissors/Exacto knife
  • Fishing line
  • Suction cups

Now, let’s get started:

  1. First, create two tank dividers out of the mesh sheets and report cover spines as instructed above
  2. Once you have your suction cups, evenly place them along the length of the divider (one on each upper corner with the suction part facing out)
  3. Pass the fishing line through the loop on each suction cup, and then tie it off to secure the mesh
  4. Lastly, place your double divider into the tank and secure it with suction cups. As you did before, create a sand or gravel foundation on either side of the bottom

Create a Tank Divider Out of Plastic Egg Crate

If you’re looking for an alternative way to divide your tank, consider using plastic egg crate material. The egg crate is thicker and more rigid than craft mesh, and it also comes in larger sheets, making it ideal for larger tanks.

You’ll need the following items:

  • Sheet of plastic egg crate
  • Ruler and scissors

To complete this project, here are the steps you’ll need to take:

  1. Cut the egg crate to fit your tank’s measurements to create this Betta divider
  2. Afterward, fit it snugly into your tank and build up your preferred sand or gravel substrate around the bottom. For more safety, you can also add suction cups

Create a Sturdy Divider From Cabinet Liner and PVC

If you’re looking for something stronger than craft mesh, give this design a try. This tough divider is made with PVC pipes, zip ties, and the same rubber material that you would use to line the bottom of your cabinets and shelves.

Not only is it cheap and easy to make, but also much more dependable than a regular mesh divider.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Straight lengths of PVC or CPVC
  • Four 90-degree PVC elbows
  • Black zip ties
  • Black cabinet liner material
  • Ruler, pencil, scissors, drill, and something to cut the PVC with

This is how you build it:

  1. In order to build the PVC frame, measure the interior dimensions of your tank and cut straight lengths of PVC accordingly
  2. To make a square frame, use 90-degree elbows to connect the PVC lengths. To fill the planter with water, drill holes in each length of PVC
  3. Cut the cabinet liner to a size that will cover the PVC frame and have some overlap on each side. Then, fold the liner over the frame and attach it with zip ties
  4. After you finish zip-tying the fish, cut away any excess tie, then use a lighter or soldering iron to melt the sharp edge of plastic (you don’t want your fish slicing their fins on a jagged piece of plastic)

Build a Tank Divider Out of Fish Netting

If you want to easily split your tank in half with the option of increased water flow and visibility, then a fishnet divider is perfect for you! All you need is some netting and rope.

Be aware, though, that because there is greater visibility between the two sides of the tank, there’s also a higher chance that your bettas will spot each other.

You will need the following items:

  • Fish net
  • Rope
  • Ruler and scissors
  • Suction cups

Constructing it is easy by following this method:

  1. To construct it, determine the dimensions of your tank and then weave a rope through the netting to fit your tank
  2. By cutting the net around the rope, you’ll be able to cut it to whatever size or shape necessary for your tank
  3. To secure your cover to the tank, attach a suction cup to each corner

Build a Sturdy Betta Divider From Plexiglass

To make a sturdier fish tank divider, try using plexiglass or acrylic glass. Though you may need more tools than other materials, it will be worth it in the end.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Sheet of plexiglass
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Glass cutter, box cutter, or circular saw
  • Drill
  • Optional: silicone sealant

Follow these simple steps:

  1. To make this divider, first, measure the interior of your tank. Then, cut your sheet of plexiglass to that size
  2. Cut through plexiglass with a circular saw, or use a glass or box cutter to score where you want to cut and snap off the pieces you don’t need
  3. Afterward, use a drill to create multiple holes in the glass so that liquid can pass through the divider
  4. Finally, insert the plexiglass into your tank
  5. If the glass is cut larger than the tank, you can wedge it into place. If that doesn’t work or if you want a more secure hold, use silicone sealant to attach the plexiglass to your tank’s sides.

Customize Foam Filter and Tank Divider

This divider both creates a division and filters your water using only a piece of foam and a pump, making it easier to maintain your betta tank.

Plus, since the divider is the filter, you can be sure that both sides are receiving proper filtration.

Here’s what else you need:

  • A large piece of reticulated foam
  • Small water pump
  • Clear vinyl tubing

Please follow these steps:

  1. To make this divider, cut the foam to fit your tank snugly and bore a hole near the bottom for the vinyl tubing
  2. Attach one side of the tubing to your water pump, stuff the foam into the middle of your tank, and you’re good to go!

Factory-Manufactured Divided Betta Tank

Betta Divider Aquarium

Not many people can divide their tall tanks by themselves, so the factory-made divided tank category only has a few options available. However, we should note that there are only a few commercially available.

The dividers in this tank are silicone-sealed glass sections, which is a permanent fix. What makes this tank even more admirable is its black non-see-through center divider compartment, which is great for keeping multiple bettas in the same tank.

However, you should maintain the tank and ensure that water flow is adequate throughout the entire space. The two fish will share one heater and the same water filter, so you should monitor the water quality closely.

The main downside to having a manufactured split betta tank is that there are only 2.5 gallons of water per fish, which can be rough on them.

This is why it’s critical to monitor water quality, temperature, filter maintenance, and feeding schedules for each fish in these types of tanks.

Factory Manufactured Dividers

If you’re looking for an easy-to-install separator, this is a good fit for you. These dividers are very flexible and there are many different options to choose from on the market.

Actually, having the appropriate divider for your fish tank is essential. However, the problem that a lot of people face is not knowing what size to get.

If it’s too big, then obviously it won’t fit. On the other hand, if you get one that’s too small, bettas may think they have more space than they do and end up attacking each other.

In fact, I love manufactured dividers because they are made of high-density, durable dark polythene that won’t let your fish see through and fight each other.

Also, they were designed to increase water flow with a small hole. Further, the divider’s hole is smaller than most similar dividers and has a sponge filter.

Even though this divider was created to fit a variety of Betta fish tanks, it doesn’t work with all tank sizes. You may have to trim the edges down before it fits snugly in your tank.

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