- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #261
Sure!
Step one is measuring the dimensions of your aquarium. The larger it is, the more difficult it'll be to find craft mesh to fit. I know the market in American is better than it is here in Canada so you might be able to find it easier than I was able to. Craft mesh comes in different hardness so you want to find one that is marked as firm. Extra firm is even better. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to find mesh of that hardness so I had to go with the extra soft instead. The harder the mesh is though, the more easy it is to work with and the more secure it'll be in your aquarium.
Next, you will need to find report covers with removable spines. The slide on spine is to keep the mesh straight and in place within the tank. I got mine at Dollar Tree.
I would say this next thing is optional but my diviner's wouldn't stay in place without it and that is an aquarium divider clip with suction cups. I purchased mine from Amazon. I'll be honest, the suction of the suction cups is terrible and they do come loose quite often but it is much better than having nothing there for extra support.
Don't be too worried about the colour of the mesh. Yes, black is better because it'll be harder for them to see each other but I haven't had a problem with the translucent mesh. They have been next to each other for almost 2 weeks now or just about so they no longer flare like they did when I first added them to the aquarium. I've seen people double up the translucent mesh but that just seems like an extra step to me. Especially if both fish have adequate space in their respective sides, doubling isn't necessary.
You will also need to measure roughly where in the tank you want the dividers to be placed. A measuring tape to the outside is fine. You can mark it with a dry erase marker if needed.
Step two is cutting the mesh to size and sliding the report cover spines on.
You can use scissors or an olfa knife. Make sure to test the mesh several times as you cut it to shape to make sure that you aren't removing too much material. It should not bend in the aquarium and fit straight. Trust me, if it doesn't, the fish can take advantage of that and it just makes things harder for you in general. Also, if you like a clean aesthetic, it's just nicer to have everything line up straight.
Step three is placing the dividers into your tank!
This part took me a long time because I didn't have enough sand to pack at the bottom. It was difficult to get everything to line up and stay in place. I eventually got it though.
Keep in mind...
1. Make sure there are absolutely no gaps. If the fish feel threatened as especially antsy, they will attempt to squeeze into the other side in any way they find possible to beat up the other fish they feel is threatening their territory.
2. Watch for personality clashes. Of course, you'll only have 2 bettas but even then, some fish just do not do well next to each other. I learned this the hard way (4 bettas with fin damage because Jaxon is a bully and an escape artist so he is now by himself). Don't try to force them if they don't seem to be getting along but as long as they aren't trying to get to the other side, occasional flaring isn't a big deal. Even if one betta is docile and the other is a bully, the bully might still be persistent on attacking so watch for that.
3. The dividers need to hit the rim of the aquarium. Keep the water level lower than normal as well to discourage jumping.
I think this is it. Let me know if you have any questions.
Step one is measuring the dimensions of your aquarium. The larger it is, the more difficult it'll be to find craft mesh to fit. I know the market in American is better than it is here in Canada so you might be able to find it easier than I was able to. Craft mesh comes in different hardness so you want to find one that is marked as firm. Extra firm is even better. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to find mesh of that hardness so I had to go with the extra soft instead. The harder the mesh is though, the more easy it is to work with and the more secure it'll be in your aquarium.
Next, you will need to find report covers with removable spines. The slide on spine is to keep the mesh straight and in place within the tank. I got mine at Dollar Tree.
I would say this next thing is optional but my diviner's wouldn't stay in place without it and that is an aquarium divider clip with suction cups. I purchased mine from Amazon. I'll be honest, the suction of the suction cups is terrible and they do come loose quite often but it is much better than having nothing there for extra support.
Don't be too worried about the colour of the mesh. Yes, black is better because it'll be harder for them to see each other but I haven't had a problem with the translucent mesh. They have been next to each other for almost 2 weeks now or just about so they no longer flare like they did when I first added them to the aquarium. I've seen people double up the translucent mesh but that just seems like an extra step to me. Especially if both fish have adequate space in their respective sides, doubling isn't necessary.
You will also need to measure roughly where in the tank you want the dividers to be placed. A measuring tape to the outside is fine. You can mark it with a dry erase marker if needed.
Step two is cutting the mesh to size and sliding the report cover spines on.
You can use scissors or an olfa knife. Make sure to test the mesh several times as you cut it to shape to make sure that you aren't removing too much material. It should not bend in the aquarium and fit straight. Trust me, if it doesn't, the fish can take advantage of that and it just makes things harder for you in general. Also, if you like a clean aesthetic, it's just nicer to have everything line up straight.
Step three is placing the dividers into your tank!
This part took me a long time because I didn't have enough sand to pack at the bottom. It was difficult to get everything to line up and stay in place. I eventually got it though.
Keep in mind...
1. Make sure there are absolutely no gaps. If the fish feel threatened as especially antsy, they will attempt to squeeze into the other side in any way they find possible to beat up the other fish they feel is threatening their territory.
2. Watch for personality clashes. Of course, you'll only have 2 bettas but even then, some fish just do not do well next to each other. I learned this the hard way (4 bettas with fin damage because Jaxon is a bully and an escape artist so he is now by himself). Don't try to force them if they don't seem to be getting along but as long as they aren't trying to get to the other side, occasional flaring isn't a big deal. Even if one betta is docile and the other is a bully, the bully might still be persistent on attacking so watch for that.
3. The dividers need to hit the rim of the aquarium. Keep the water level lower than normal as well to discourage jumping.
I think this is it. Let me know if you have any questions.