Alright I Might Do This But I Need Help

[SeaGoddess]

I might get 10 gallon and divide it 4 ways. giving each betta 2.5 gallons. I need to know How many heaters I need? What to use for a divider? Do I need more then one filter? Where to place the filter?And any other advice you can give me. Thanks!

 

[Noahsfish]

Dividing it in half would be better, the fish would half a lot more room..  1 heater of 50 watts would be fine, placed anywhere in the tank preferably by the filter.  A sponge filter would be great for bettas as their fins are very fragile.  They sell cheap betta dividers, make sure you get one where they can't see each other though, so they don't get stressed.

 

[SeaGoddess]

Where can I buy one?

 

[attibones]

Your LFS should carry them near the tank hoods and such. If you do decide to divide it into quarters and not halves, then it may be beneficial to set up two sponge filters in the tank, as the dividers do limit the amount of water flow (and therefore removal of toxins) the further they are placed from the filter. Does that make sense? I don't know if I worded that right, as it is quite late and I'm ready to hop in bed. 

 

[SeaGoddess]

yes it does and how big should the filters be?

And do you want to see my fish because you can at www.iheartfishes.blogspot.com

 

[attibones]

If you are going to do two betta fish, then a filter rated for ten gallons would be fine. If you do four, then I'd go with either two ten gallon sponge filters or a twenty gallon sponge filter fitted in the middle of the tank. Should you decide to use sponge filters, building them is cheap and easy and a lot of fun, though you do have to have access to a power drill. 

 

[SeaGoddess]

Can I use sand in this tank?

 

[FreshwaterAfishianado]

I don't see any reason you couldn't use sand, just make sure that the divider doesn't allow any room for the bettas to wriggle underneath it

 

[attibones]

To combat that very problem, I would install the dividers first and then add the sand so you know that you haven't set the dividers on top of the sand in an askew fashion.

 

[TallTree01]

To combat that very problem, I would install the dividers first and then add the sand so you know that you haven't set the dividers on top of the sand in an askew fashion.

I like that idea!

 

[dgwebster]

My recommendation is to get some black/blue acrylic/perspex sheeting which you can silicon into place: allow this to dry for 48 hours. You can cut "combs" into it to allow water flow in between or more easily, split an airline to drive multiple sponge filters giving each betta its own ecosystem. This latter one needs multiple heaters too, which will not be easy or cheap, so having flow through/over combs will be more beneficial.

 

[Sophie]

This topic makes me happy

 

[Wildbetta]

I am VERY pleased to see this topic!!!    I can walk you through making your own dividers if you want along with pictures.   Although dividing a 10 gallon in half is best, dividing it into 4 is a great improvement for your bettas and as such I would go with a 4 way split.  I would get an adjustable heater of at least 50W and a thermometer that you hang inside the tank to monitor temperature(the number on the heater doesn't always match what is on the thermometer and you have to adjust up or down to get to the right temp).  With thoughts to filters, sponge filters are the way to go with bettas but are not as great with divided tanks because of the way the divider slows down the pull of water.  However using two sponge filters with a duel output airpump meant for a 20 gallon tank WILL work great.  These filters are very inexpensive and very gentle on bettas.  Having the bettas share a bigger tank will help them stay healthier by allowing you to cycle the tank and heat the tank reliably.  With cycling the tank, it allows for less water changes which is easier on you as well.  Please read over the sticky about cycling your tank though before you stick your bettas in there. 
 
I will point out that the premade dividers are not normally very stable and I have heard a lot of people complain about them falling over or the bettas getting through them.
 
You can use any kind of substrate you want in this tank.  To me sand is the easiest to clean but some people just really love the look of gravel so it is up to you.  

 

[wrightt3]

Well done to you for getting a bigger tank! Its good to see you took our advice on board. I imagine that you'll will notice a significant change in how active your bettas are with the extra space and you will be able to enjoy them a lot more!