A Cheaper Divider Than Pennplax?

[Curiosity101]

£7-8 isn't a huge amount of money. But I don't want to go shelling out that when there is some really obvious cheap alternative that I just don't know about.
Needs to have holes small enough to stop shrimplets switching sides but I figured asking here was the best place to start.

 

[Honeythorn]

I know some people use plastic cross-stitch/embroidery mesh ? Try a Hobbycraft or somewhere similar perhaps, I'm sure there's one fine enough for what you're looking for ..

 

[Curiosity101]

Ah that sounds like a plan, thanks
There were a few things I'd considered instead but every time the problem was that as the holes got smaller the material got thinner.

 

[Honeythorn]

I have no idea how thick such mesh would be, and may have to be siliconed into the dividers if it's thin.

As a last resort you could always buy a sheet of thin perspex ( shouldn't cost too much ) and drill it all over with a very thin drill bit to create small holes for flow. A small Dremel drill would be ideal for that.

 

[silverrabbit]

I have made dividers using the craft mesh, and I didn't see many options for different sized grids. I think the one I have would deffo let shrimplets through. The mesh isn't very rigid so you'd definitely need to put those binders over each side and then silicone them into place in the tank.

Hope you manage to find a smaller-squared mesh to use

 

[woodstock]

I use plastic mesh myself. And I've never noticed that as holes got smaller, material got thinner...however, even if it is thing, I doubt it would be a huge problem if it's propped up properly.

 

[Curiosity101]

I did debate doing that and could make a divider for literally a few pence if I were seperating fish. But it's for seperating shrimp (and more annoyingly shrimplets).
I just figured I'd ask here first cause I figured people in the betta section would have the most info on dividers. If I can't find something obviously cheaper then I'll just opt for pennplax. Although saying that I don't know how big their holes are...
Any help?

Edit: So I'd definitely need binders then?

 

[woodstock]

Well if you got the bigger-holed ones, then you could layer up and physically block out some holes by placing them that way, if they make sense?

And yes, I would recommend the side-things. I have seen some people not use it at all though, but not sure how that went. I would recommend it anyway.

 

[Honeythorn]

Binders would be a good option for keeping the mesh taut and stopping it from sagging. Not sure what else you'd use. I'm now wondering if a piece of twice folded Muslin cloth, siliconed between binders would work.

If it's only relatively temporary then you wouldn't need to silicone the dividers to the glass very thickly, just a thin layer that could be easily scraped off to remove the binders. It may prove a little fiddly, but I think with paitience and care it would work. And should certainly be fine enough to separate shrimplets.

The cloth is often used in cooking to wrap things and cover stuff, so getting it wet shouldn't be any trouble and as long as you wash it well with hot water first, shouldn't affect water quality.

 

[Curiosity101]

It's going to be long term. I'm setting up a long term shrimp breeding project Blue tigers and S+ Grade CRS. You know the betta I mentioned to you? That would be a grow on tank for the 'blonde' shrimp that came from the blue tigers.

At this rate I'm debating getting 2 30l tanks lol. But I'll be moving from Uni accommodation to home for 3 months every summer. So a 60l makes more sense. Hence dividers cause CRS can cross breed with Blue tigers.

 

[ellena]

I wonder if you could make some kind of rigid frame and stretch nylon window nets across it? Secure them in place and silicon the frame into the tank.

 

[Curiosity101]

I thought about doing that too Ellena. Mainly cause I don't know if the pennplax holes will be small enough. I don't suppose you know what size they are do you?

 

[BettaCrazy7]

I made my dividers for $4. I made them from craft canvas and report cover spines.

 

[soph_betta]

I have the penn plax sides think they are 14" long check the equiptment section but you would need something to strech across but i also think the penn plax are ok for shrimplets as the holes are tiny.