Divided Tank Questions

[Icthyophile]

Hi everyone, new to the forums and seeking a little bit of help.

I'm planning to divide a 10 gallon rectangular tank in thirds for 3 male bettas. I'm going to use binder frames and craft/needle-pointing squares for the dividers themselves.

My question is in regards to filtration -- my tank is going to have a HOB filter. Do I need to construct some kind of spray-bar or water-distributor type device for it, or will it be enough to filter the whole tank if I put it in the middle division? (I will also use the soda-bottle trick to lower the current coming from the filter and use some live plants for some natural filtration.)

And should the heater be in one corner of the tank, the middle, or should I get more than one? I just want to make sure my bettas stay healthy.

Finally, are there any opinions on what substrate is best for bettas? Sand, gravel, etc? I read on another forum that someone's betta was eating their sand, for example. Any opinions on substrate?

Sorry about all the questions! Any help is really appreciated.

Thank you!

Icthyophile

 

[jasminekiddell]

Hello, 10G shouldnt be divided into 3, its not enough room for each betta. i would suggest dividing into 2 to makesure each betta has enough space.
im sure others will be along soon to help you out with the other things!

 

[Icthyophile]

Hello, 10G shouldnt be divided into 3, its not enough room for each betta. i would suggest dividing into 2 to makesure each betta has enough space.
im sure others will be along soon to help you out with the other things!

I thought bettas were 3" adult size, which is 3 gallons each...

but I guess I can get a 15 gallon instead and divide that into 3.

 

[Rezatii]

Well technically it is enough, but 5g is much better for them. A spray bar of some form would probably be best for the tank

-Rezz

 

[Icthyophile]

Well technically it is enough, but 5g is much better for them. A spray bar of some form would probably be best for the tank

-Rezz

Alright, thanks.

Any ideas on how to make a spray bar for a HOB filter? I'm clueless

 

[Rezatii]

I'm afraid I have absolutely no idea, my Dad made the spray bar for my tank lol

Try looking it up online, chances are someones made a guide for it.

-Rezz

 

[Icthyophile]

Hm.. I'm thinking I can take some black PVC and cut a rectangular hole in the middle of it for the filtered water to feed into, and then drill some holes along its length (and cap the ends) so the water trickles out of the holes.

The only problem is how to hang it on the back of the tank underneath the filter... hm.. any ideas?

 

[aly_starh]

Hi everyone, new to the forums and seeking a little bit of help.
Welcome
I'm planning to divide a 10 gallon rectangular tank in thirds for 3 male bettas. I'm going to use binder frames and craft/needle-pointing squares for the dividers themselves.
I also used that to make my betta tank dividers, IMO, that should be divided into 2 sections, although the gallons are right, the height of those sections would be taller than the width, making it puzzling for the Bettas.
My question is in regards to filtration -- my tank is going to have a HOB filter. Do I need to construct some kind of spray-bar or water-distributor type device for it, or will it be enough to filter the whole tank if I put it in the middle division? (I will also use the soda-bottle trick to lower the current coming from the filter and use some live plants for some natural filtration.)
In the end i opted out of using a spray bar. I feel that the Grids have enough holes for adequate filtrations, although i did make one, it was a pain to clip it on to the filter.
Instead, i have a small sponge filter, on the other side of the tank, on a low current, which is great so if i need to use a cycled filter for an emergency hospital tank, i know have one!

And should the heater be in one corner of the tank, the middle, or should I get more than one? I just want to make sure my bettas stay healthy.
When not using a spray-Bar the heater should be next to the filter, the new water coming out of the filter should point at the heater. The thermometer should be placed as far away as possible from the heater.
But if you are using a spray bar, it doesnt matter where you put the heater.

Finally, are there any opinions on what substrate is best for bettas? Sand, gravel, etc? I read on another forum that someone's betta was eating their sand, for example. Any opinions on substrate?
I use Argos Childrens Play Sand, My bettas love it, None of them have 'ate' the sand. I think that would most likely happen with Gravel.

Sorry about all the questions! Any help is really appreciated.

Thank you!

Icthyophile


Also, may i add, when setting up the tank, make sure the filter is cycled or nearly cycled. And live plants and caves are a must, Bettas love these.
Hope that helps!

 

[Icthyophile]

Thank you for such an informative response, betta_246.

I went out today and purchased all the materials. Ended up getting black sand ("Super Naturals Premium Aquarium Substrate") and some live plants + caves for the future residents.

One quick question though, I just siliconed in the dividers and I'm wondering how long I have to wait before I can add water to the tank and let the plants + caves settle in and start cycling. The tube of aquarium sealant says that it "cures in 5 minutes" and "fully bonds in 24 hours." But then it says to wait 48 hours before adding water if you want to be sure it's leak free.

I don't care if it's leak free (since it's just the dividers and water should be traveling between them anyway), I just want to make sure I don't pollute the water I add with the silicone. How long did you guys leave your silicone drying before adding water?

Thanks,

Icthyophile

 

[aly_starh]

Hi, id say 24 hours minimum, just to make sure it does actually stick to the glass, then your good to go.

Its great you brought live plants and caves, im very sure your betta will be happy

For cycling the tank, i would reccomend this link; Tank Cycling

But as its a Betta the time that it takes to cycle your tank will be short, because bettas dont produce much waste.