Some advice for a split tank?

[RabidAliver]

This is going to be my first split tank, and I'd like to know some of the essentials that I need to know when I actually get the tank. I'd appreciate any advice all you lovely people can give :D

What I have so far:
50w heater
Air pump for filter (may change this for a HOB filter, but I'd like to know a good brand)

What I plan to get:
Mesh divider
10gal tank kit
fluorescent lightbulb for hood

Aside from these things that I know I need, I'm kind of lost on where to go from there. I don't know good brands of filters, or what else is needed for the split tank aside from the mesh and filter and such

[veggiegirl]

I think that is all that you will really need for your tank. Be sure to use some mesh that you know is fish safe..... I recently used fly screen as mesh dividers.... I had used it in the past without any troubles but this time I used different fly screen (still the rubber type stuff but stronger) and it poisoned all of my bettas. They almost died but luckily with a lot of TLC they eventually recovered. I learnt my lesson I will never use anything in a fish tank unless it is especially designed for fish.

[RabidAliver]

Originally Posted by veggiegirl

I think that is all that you will really need for your tank. Be sure to use some mesh that you know is fish safe..... I recently used fly screen as mesh dividers.... I had used it in the past without any troubles but this time I used different fly screen (still the rubber type stuff but stronger) and it poisoned all of my bettas. They almost died but luckily with a lot of TLC they eventually recovered. I learnt my lesson I will never use anything in a fish tank unless it is especially designed for fish.

Yeah, the mesh I'm looking at is made specifically for 10 gallon tanks, so I would hope that it would be safe. Would it be a good idea to give both boys plenty of hiding places too?

[veggiegirl]

Hey there,

Yeah that mesh should be safe, it would be a good idea to have some hiding places for them so that they can 'get away' from the other betta and feel less threatened however that being said they do get used to seeing eachother and soon realize that they can't actually get to each other. I just have a silk plant in each division for my boys

[RabidAliver]

Originally Posted by veggiegirl

Hey there,

Yeah that mesh should be safe, it would be a good idea to have some hiding places for them so that they can 'get away' from the other betta and feel less threatened however that being said they do get used to seeing eachother and soon realize that they can't actually get to each other. I just have a silk plant in each division for my boys

Ooh okay :D I just was wondering if that would be a good idea. Thank you for the advice!

[mld02004]

You can also use craft mesh for needlepoint. Very cheap and you can cut to size.

[efg321]

I have used the craft mesh along w/ file folder binder end caps to stabilize it.

[Toaster11]

Originally Posted by RabidAliver

Yeah, the mesh I'm looking at is made specifically for 10 gallon tanks, so I would hope that it would be safe. Would it be a good idea to give both boys plenty of hiding places too?

I am about to split my 10 gallon once it is done cycling. Where did you find yours?

[RabidAliver]

Originally Posted by Toaster11

I am about to split my 10 gallon once it is done cycling. Where did you find yours?

Mine was at my LFS. But, there are plenty of good suggestions of other things you could use for mesh if you can't find one specifically made for fish :D

[jeaninel]

Here's my split 10 gallon just to give you some ideas. Store bought divider from Petsmart, one 50 watt heater and an Elite mini filter on each side set to low. Lots of plants (fake) and a clay pot on one side, bridge on the other for them to chill out in. I also placed tall silk plants in front of the divider to provide them each some privacy from each other.