Tank Dividers

[Ameenah]

Tank dividers have multiple uses; keep breeding pairs separated from community, keep injured fish (attacked by fin nippers) OR keep fin nipper away from community, introducing new fish AFTER the new fish have been monitored in an isolation tank for a couple weeks, keeping younger smaller fish safe from being eaten, etc. 

I read, on another forum, that egg crates, from home improvement stores, work well as tank dividers, can be cut to any size easily, and are very inexpensive. They can also be built in many different configurations (glued via aquarium silicone) for reef tanks and coral starts. 

Imagine these egg crate tank dividers being held to the sides of the tank via split pvc pipe.  The pipe should be cut to height required, and then cut through the middle - 1 piece of pipe cut to height and then 1/2 used on each side of tank, and the egg crate sliding in between them - holding by tension.  This requires NO ADHESIVES which is nice for those in need of tank division in an established tank. 

It is suggested that 2 identically sized egg crates should be made so that 1 is initially used; but, the second is slid in before removing the first for cleaning. 

Hint, these "egg crates" are found in the lighting department of home improvement stores. These egg crates are "normally" used as a decorative ceiling light cover. They are made of some type of hard plastic, and come in various "grid" sizes. 

Egg crates can also be used to "block off" the oversized cutouts on tank lids to prevent leaping fish, snails, other aquatic life (NOT OCTIPI) from accidentally escaping. 

Has anyone here had experience with this?  Does anyone have another tank divider, or suggested tank divider, to share? 

[angelminx]

I've heard of them before, but have never seen them, or knew where to get them. I always wondered. They've been mentioned in alot of the fish magazine articles and books I've read.

After I lost my beautiful male Plakat betta to a midnight stroll out of the tank, I decided not to get another one--unless one particularly caught my eye--until I found a way to block the openings on the back of the tank. Last month my church participated in a city-wide yard sale, and someone had donated a bunch of plastic canvas. I haven't done anything with it yet, but I figure I can cut it, and "wire" together what I need to fit the back of that tank, and the big one. I just have to figure out how to "attatch" it to the back of the tank (since it's so light-weight that I can't just leave it lying over the top).

[Ameenah]

The source of my info wrote that it can be set up in tiers with pvc pipe and fittings to make multiple shelves (think ladders,) siliconed and cut to us as hang-on-tank (think lego), so Angelminx, perhaps it isnt fastening to tank lid you need but a decorative "ladder" that has a wrung on top which covers your lid openings? Or, more simply simply cut to size and place atop your lid. As I mentioned above, you can obtain in various grid sizes.

[Carl]

Yes, I have used these before.

With smaller fish I also wrapped the plastic egg grates in nylon screen to not allow small fish to pass through


Here is a picture of a plastic egg crate used as a top for an aquarium


Carl

[Ameenah]

Thank you Carl for adding the image of egg crate material. My brain is filling with more and more ways to use this material.

I will be on the other side of the planet for the last 3 +/- months of the year which means hiring a professional aquarium service company. During this period I think my little oscars will be able to join the community in my Big Tank but with no one to sit and observe for any great length of time I worry that the youngsters will be overstressed and worse. My new plan of action is to make a tank divider and acclimatize the youngsters in the next few weeks and let them live in relative safety in the big tank now.

At just over 2" the youngsters should be ready for the deeper water pressure of the Big Tank and of course I will be here to observe.

I am considering creating a multi-lever shelving unit - of egg crate and pvc pipes - on the other side of the Big Tank to use as "caves" and silk plants as well - even placing my water pump in a shelving compartment! I know I need to change the AquaScape before I leave as the Teenage Oscars will gain 3-4" in length while I am gone and really need more free swimming areas to accommodate their size.

[devonjohnsgard]

I would love to see some pictures when you are done.

[Ameenah]

Found 2 foot by 4 foot "Suspended Light Ceiling Panels" by a company called Plaskolite for about $15 at a major home building supply and nursery store. So I hurried over and bought 3 panels to play with.

[goldenpuon]

I wish I had heard of egg crates years ago. Many times I have had tanks with fish I needed to separate and no tank divider that was the right size. I'd love to see pictures as well if you are able ameenah.

Renee