Aquarium Dividers

Overcrowding an aquarium can cause aggression, spread disease, stunted growth, stress behaviors and ammonia from all the fish waste in a small space. It can also lead to death if the fish are not able to get the oxygen they need or if the ammonia level gets too high. One way to prevent overcrowding is by using aquarium dividers, which create separate sections in the tank. Aquarium dividers are typically made of transparent material, like glass or acrylic, so that light can pass through them and water can flow freely between the two sides of the tank.

Depending on the type of aquarium, a divider can be permanent or temporary, and can serve a variety of purposes. For example, if breeding fish are in a shared aquarium with their parents, a divider can be used to keep the adults from eating the eggs or fry. In addition, a divider can be used to provide protection for mouthbrooders, who need a safe place to lay their eggs and fry.

If a divider is being used for breeding purposes, there are special types of dividers available that are designed to promote the best conditions for hatching and fry survival. These types of dividers have mesh openings large enough to accommodate the fry, but not too big that the adults can grab the fry from them. They are usually secured to the aquarium with aquarium silicone sealant that is non-toxic.

Another use for a divider is to separate a fighting pair of fish. Some fish species, like ram cichlids, are known to get into pairs and become aggressive toward other fish in the aquarium. This can be a problem because it forces the owner to either purchase a new tank, get rid of the aggressive fish or use a divider to separate the fish.

Tank dividers can be purchased at most pet stores or made at home. For a DIY version, aquarium dividers can be made from plastic canvas or egg crates that are anchored at the bottom of the aquarium. It is important to make sure that the divider is taller than the water level so that fish cannot swim through it, and that it is secured to the tank with aquarium silicone or duct tape.

One drawback to a tank divider is that it can interrupt the flow of water through the filter and heater. Water temperature may vary on each side of the divider, and the dividing wall can interfere with the fish’s ability to access the surface for aeration. However, the cost of a tank divider is much lower than purchasing and maintaining a full aquarium set-up. In the long run, a fish tank divider can save money, time and energy by eliminating the need for an extra tank. This article has provided a guide to help you decide whether a fish tank divider is right for you.