7 Easy DIY Ideas for Betta Fish Tanks with Divider

7 Easy DIY Ideas for Betta Fish Tanks with Divider

by

It’s never a good idea to keep two male Betta fish together because they will quickly become aggressive and fight each other.

But it is possible to keep them in the same tank using a tank divider.

A tank divider splits your tank into two or more partitions so you can have two aggressive fish coexist together without fighting to the death.

If you have two Bettas, housing them in one tank with a divider will simplify caring for them because you won’t need two tanks, two heaters or two filters. You’ll just have one tank to worry about.

Further Reading: Looking for more cold stuff check out all our cool Aquarium DIY Projects and Ideas.

Some Equipment I Like To Use For My Betta Tanks

Here are Our 7 easy DIY Betta Fish Tank Dividers You Can Make At Home

The tank dividers that you get in stores tend to be flimsy and low quality, and most cost at least $10. It may also be difficult to get a pre-made divider to fit your tank just right.

But did you know you can make your own divider that will be custom-fit and much sturdier for a fraction of the price?

Continue reading below for our list and learn how to build your own.

1) Make a Simple Divider Out of Craft Mesh and Binder Spines

This is an incredibly easy and effective tank divider using simple materials that you can pick up at any Walmart or craft store.

You can custom cut it to your exact tank dimensions, and you can even customize the shape in case your tank has a bow front.

Here are the materials that you need:

  • A package of plastic mesh sheets (the kind used for needlepoint and craft projects).
  • Plastic report cover spines (the plastic things used to clip report covers together. Available at any office supply store).
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Scissors or exacto knife

Building this one is simple.

  1. First, measure and cut the plastic mesh sheets to match the width and shape of your fish tank.
  2. Next, insert each side into the report cover spines to make the divider sturdy and rigid.
  3. Then, slide the divider into your empty tank, and build up sand and gravel on either side.

This divider works great and it’s cheap and easy to make. Watch the video below for complete instructions:

Watch: DIY Divider For Fish Tank For Less Than $2

2) Create a Craft Mesh Double Divider for Extra Security

This divider is a twist on the basic craft mesh divider above.

It adds a second screen and suction cups for extra security, and even gives you space to put an aquatic plant between the two sections.

This divider is simple, looks great and will keep your fish happy.

Here’s what you need:

  • Plastic mesh sheets
  • Plastic report cover spines
  • Ruler, pencil and scissors/exacto knife
  • Fishing line
  • Suction cups

Follow these steps:

  1. First, follow the instructions above to make two tank dividers out of the mesh sheets and report cover spines.
  2. Next, line up your dividers with the suctions cups in between them (one on each corner, suction part facing out).
  3. Use the fishing line to secure the mesh to the loop on the back of each suction cup.
  4. Finally, slide your double divider into your tank and attach the suction cups to the glass. Just like the first one, you’ll want to build up sand or gravel on either side of the bottom.

You should have a sturdy double divider with enough space in the middle to add a plant!

Check out the full instructions here.

3) Make a Tank Divider Out of Plastic Egg Crate

Another option for dividing your tank is using plastic egg crate material that’s available at most hardware stores.

Egg crate is thicker and more rigid than craft mesh. It also comes in bigger sheets, so it’s suitable for larger tanks.

Here’s what you need:

  • Sheet of plastic egg crate
  • Ruler and scissors

Here are the steps:

  1. To make this divider, measure your tank and cut the egg crate to fit.
  2. Then, simply wedge it into your tank and pile your sand or gravel substrate around the base. You can also attach suction cups for extra security.

Watch DIY Aquarium Divider in Cichlid Fish Tank for full instructions:

4) Construct a Sturdy Divider Using Cabinet Liner and PVC

If you want something a little more rigid than craft mesh, try this one out.

This robust divider design uses PVC pipes, zip ties and that rubber material that you use to line the bottom of cabinet shelves.

It’s still cheap and easy to make, but the result is sturdier than a basic mesh divider.

Here’s what you need:

  • Straight lengths of PVC or CPVC
  • Four 90 degree PVC elbows
  • Black zip ties
  • Black cabinet liner material
  • Ruler, pencil, scissors, drill and something to cut the PVC with

Build it this way:

  1. To build the PVC frame, first measure the interior dimensions of your tank and cut the straight PVC lengths to size.
  2. Attach them together into a square frame using the 90 degree elbows. Drill a few holes in each length of PVC so that they can fill with water.
  3. Next, cut the cabinet liner so that it is large enough to cover the PVC frame and fold over each side with some overlap. Fold the liner over the frame and use the zip ties to attach it.
  4. Finally, cut off the excess from the zip ties, and use a lighter or soldering iron to melt the sharp edge where you cut (you don’t want your fish slicing their fins on a jagged piece of plastic).

Check out Diy Aquarium Divider for complete instructions:

5) Create a Tank Divider Using Fish Netting

This easy divider uses fishnet and rope to create a barrier between the two sides of your tank.

The advantage of a net divider is that it allows for greater water flow between the two sides of the tank, so you can be sure that both sides are in balance.

However, netting will allow greater visibility between the two tank sides so there’s a greater chance that your Bettas will notice each other.

Here’s what you need:

  • Fish net
  • Rope
  • Ruler and scissors
  • Suction cups

Buidling it is simple:

  1. To build it, simply measure out your tank and weave a rope through the netting to match your tank dimensions.
  2. Cut the net around the rope and you’ll be left with netting cut to the size and shape of your tank.
  3. Finally, tie a suction cup to each corner and you’re ready to attach it to your tank.

Find the full instructions here.

6) Build a Heavy Duty Divider Out of Plexiglass

Making a divider out of plexiglass or acrylic glass is a great way to have a sturdy piece of material separating your tank.

Even though it requires a little more in the way of tools, it’s still a simple divider to make.

Here’s what you need:

  • Sheet of plexiglass
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Glass cutter, box cutter or circular saw
  • Drill
  • Optional: silicone sealant

Easy to follow steps:

  1. To make this divider, measure the interior of your tank and cut your sheet of plexiglass to size.
  2. You can cut the plexiglass with a circular saw, or you can use a glass cutter or box cutter to score where you want to cut and snap off the unwanted piece.
  3. Next, drill multiple holes in the glass so that water can flow through the divider.
  4. Finally, slide the plexiglass into your tank.

If the glass is cut slightly larger than the tank, you should be able to just wedge it into place. If you’re unable to wedge it in or if you want more security, use silicone sealant to attach the plexiglass to the sides of your tank.

7) Easy Custom Foam Filter and Tank Divider

This divider uses a piece of foam and a pump to create both a divider and a filter.

This can really help simplify maintenance in your Betta tank, and since the divider is the filter you can really make sure that both sides are being filtered properly.

Here’s what you need:

  • Large piece of reticulated foam
  • Small water pump
  • Clear vinyl tubing

Follow these steps:

  1. To build this, cut the foam to the size of your tank and bore a small hole towards the bottom for the vinyl tubing to snake through.
  2. Connect one end of the tubing to your water pump, wedge the foam into the center of your tank, and you’re ready to rock and roll.

Check out Custom Cut Sponge Part 1 for complete instructions:

The infographic below shows the basics of caring for a Betta fish including habitat, behavior and optimal temperature.

Betta Care InfographicCourtesy: That Pet Place

Final Thoughts on Betta Fish Tanks with Dividers

A good Betta fish tank with a divider is a great way to keep two male Bettas in the same tank together.

These easy DIY ideas for Betta Fish tank dividers should help you create the perfect environment for your Betta fish, and you’ll end up with something much better and more unique than what you’ll find at the pet store.

Before using a divider, make sure you have a big enough tank.

Betta fish need at least 2.5 gallons of tank space, so you should never divide a tank smaller than 5 gallons. 10 gallon tanks should only be divided twice.

Despite the many misconceptions about Betta tank size, bigger is always better.

Learn More About Your Betta Fish

Are divided tanks good for bettas?

Divided tanks are a great idea if you want to keep multiple Bettas in the same aquarium. Not only will your Bettas be safe, but it’s very cost-effective and requires less maintenance overall.

Please ensure you always provide at least 5 gallons of water per Betta. So, the smallest size of the tank that could be divided is a 10-gallon tank.

Can two male bettas live together with a divider?

As long as a suitable divider is in place, then two Bettas can live long, healthy lives in the same aquarium.

It’s best to use a divider that obstructs the view from either side to prevent any stress caused by seeing another male. Live plant can also be used to help eliminate sightlines.

Follow Me
Latest posts by Jack Dempsey (see all)