Divided Betta Fish Tanks
If you are wanting more than one betta fish in a tank, a divided tank is a good option. They are easy to set up and maintain. There are multiple options when it comes to dividing a tank. The most important thing is that the divider is solid and secure. You have to remember that Betta fish are fighting fish and if they get to each other they will likely kill each other. That said a divided tank can be both safe and beautiful. We got into making and selling our dividers due to hearing so many horror stories of DIY dividers failing and store dividers just not making the grade. It took us a while to come up with our design but it is sturdy and looks great! Should you choose to make your own divider be sure the Bettas can't see through it too much. Many people use craft mesh, and whilst it appears to make a good divider, if often fails. The bettas can also see each other too much, causing them stress. Another option is acrylic however this must be a dark color so the Bettas can't see each other. Most dividers made with acrylic are clear and are not at all suitable for a divided Betta Fish tank.
Cons.
If one of your Bettas gets sick, it can sometimes be contagious. However this goes for any fish tank with two or more fish. The dividers can also be siliconed in place to avoid this if it is a concern.
If a divider is not secure or badly made, you run the risk of the bettas getting to each other.
Bettas love to jump, so they may jump the divider if it is not secure.
Pros.
You can have more than one Betta in a tank.
They're easy to set up.
It allows for a larger body of water, so that water parameters can be more stable.
It provides enrichment when the Bettas can periodically see each other.
Divided Tank Recommendations.
Monitoring your Betta fish when it first goes into a divided tank is important. For the first few days, you need to be sure the divider is secure. Having a heavily planted tank with lots of places to hide is an ideal set up for a Betta fish, and a divided tank is no different. The two fish will be aware they have a neighbor and there might be flaring, but this is normal. After a few days, things will settle down. When doing tank maintenance, it is just the same as any other tank. Every other month or so, we swap the Bettas to the other side. This is like giving them a new environment and enrichment without having to move things round. They seem to really enjoy having a 'new' place to explore.
Tank Sizes.
10 gallon tank divider can be split two ways giving your Bettas 5 gallons each.
20 gallon long tank divider can be split 3-4 ways.
Filtration and Heater.
Filtration and the heater will really depend on what divider you use, so I will only be covering the filtration needed for our divider, which is a solid material and can be bought with or without holes. We recommend a mini or corner sponge filter in each separate section of the tank. This provides enough beneficial bacteria to support the fish in the tank. It also promotes water movement in each section. Betta fish do not like strong current so sponge filters are the best option as they can have an adjustable flow. You will only need one heater for the 5.5 gallon and 10 Gallon divided tank but for the 20 gallon long tank you will likely need a second heater.
Sickness.
What if one fish gets sick? If this happens, treat the whole tank. If it's something contagious, it is likely the other fish may have it too. Having a divided tank is no different than having a community fish tank. If fish in a community tank get sick, the odds are that some of the others will get sick too. Treat a divided tank like a community tank and medicate the whole tank. Most Betta fish sickness is due to poor water quality and stress. If you provide the correct environment and keep your water parameters in an acceptable range, then your Betta is less likely to get sick.
Final Thoughts.
We have been using divided tanks for 6 years, and they have given us so much joy. The dividers have not failed, and the fish have been very happy in their shared tank. A divided tank may not be for everyone, but they are definitely worth looking into!
Cons.
If one of your Bettas gets sick, it can sometimes be contagious. However this goes for any fish tank with two or more fish. The dividers can also be siliconed in place to avoid this if it is a concern.
If a divider is not secure or badly made, you run the risk of the bettas getting to each other.
Bettas love to jump, so they may jump the divider if it is not secure.
Pros.
You can have more than one Betta in a tank.
They're easy to set up.
It allows for a larger body of water, so that water parameters can be more stable.
It provides enrichment when the Bettas can periodically see each other.
Divided Tank Recommendations.
Monitoring your Betta fish when it first goes into a divided tank is important. For the first few days, you need to be sure the divider is secure. Having a heavily planted tank with lots of places to hide is an ideal set up for a Betta fish, and a divided tank is no different. The two fish will be aware they have a neighbor and there might be flaring, but this is normal. After a few days, things will settle down. When doing tank maintenance, it is just the same as any other tank. Every other month or so, we swap the Bettas to the other side. This is like giving them a new environment and enrichment without having to move things round. They seem to really enjoy having a 'new' place to explore.
Tank Sizes.
10 gallon tank divider can be split two ways giving your Bettas 5 gallons each.
20 gallon long tank divider can be split 3-4 ways.
Filtration and Heater.
Filtration and the heater will really depend on what divider you use, so I will only be covering the filtration needed for our divider, which is a solid material and can be bought with or without holes. We recommend a mini or corner sponge filter in each separate section of the tank. This provides enough beneficial bacteria to support the fish in the tank. It also promotes water movement in each section. Betta fish do not like strong current so sponge filters are the best option as they can have an adjustable flow. You will only need one heater for the 5.5 gallon and 10 Gallon divided tank but for the 20 gallon long tank you will likely need a second heater.
Sickness.
What if one fish gets sick? If this happens, treat the whole tank. If it's something contagious, it is likely the other fish may have it too. Having a divided tank is no different than having a community fish tank. If fish in a community tank get sick, the odds are that some of the others will get sick too. Treat a divided tank like a community tank and medicate the whole tank. Most Betta fish sickness is due to poor water quality and stress. If you provide the correct environment and keep your water parameters in an acceptable range, then your Betta is less likely to get sick.
Final Thoughts.
We have been using divided tanks for 6 years, and they have given us so much joy. The dividers have not failed, and the fish have been very happy in their shared tank. A divided tank may not be for everyone, but they are definitely worth looking into!
20 gallon long divided tank.
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