Thinking about making my own divided betta tank

[MegTheFish]

Ok, so I'm getting really tired of hauling 1 gallon tanks back and forth to my kitchen to clean them. I have to take out the betta, rinse the gravel...rinse the tank...fill it back up...wait till it gets to room temp...plop betta in...yah, you see my point. I could see doing it for maybe 1 or 2 tanks, but I have 6 and I plan on getting more. Soooo.....I was thinking of making my own divided betta tank. I won't be making the actual tank, but I'm going to look for a cheap 10 to 20 gallon tank and divide it using the plastic canvas and report binder spines way. I need to make enough compartments for atleast 5. I won't be putting one of my babies in there because he is VERY VERY old and doesn't like change much, and he seems to love his tank so I don't want to disturbe him. I was thinking of adding a couple more compartments then needed so I can accidently bring home some more bettas LoL.
The biggest problem I have though...there will be no filters. My parents said the electrical bill is going pretty high with the 4 filters, 2 lights and 2 heaters that I already have running on tanks and have forbid me from plugging any more fish related stuff in...if that makes any sense . So I won't be able to cycle it. My plan is to have the whole thing bare bottomed, and everyday do a quick vac on each compartment to get rid of any uneaten food and poop. Then every 1 to 2 weeks do a 100% water change. Will this work? I'm hoping it will...any comments suggestions welcome.

Oh, and BTW each betta will have their own silk plant but that will be it for decor I think....

 

[nashnut]

I'm thinking of the same thing. Actually though I think the electric expenses will go down with me as I will be eliminating some equipment. I am thinking eight guys in a ten gallon tank. Four compartments on each side - 5 x 5 x 12. Eight fish would eliminate 5 tanks which would equal 5 heaters, and 5 lights in exchange for 1 heater, 1 filter, 1 light. I would be saving.

 

[MegTheFish]

Yah, I see what you mean. My betta tanks don't have heating/filteration though. I'm hoping I can find a 20 gallon long...a person who I deliver papers to has a fish tank (abou 15 gallons) and its short and long sitting outside, its been there for like 5 days, but I think it would be kind of nosey if I asked if they were getting rid of it or not *shrug*. I think I might ask though, because I would hate myself if I find out that they are getting rid of it and it went to the dumpster or something and not my house! LoL

 

[LuBear]

you might want something bigger than 10 gallon if you want to get more serious with bettas. And also, you should have small holes(not to much and not big enough for a betta to get through; really small holes if you're gonna breed so the babes won't be able to get through) so the water can run through it and give more steady temperature just incase you want to move them from one room to another(for breeding?). If you are using removable dividers and you plan to move them around to make different spaces then I suggest using sand as it will allow more movability for the dividers and would also prevent babes from escaping through those tiny holes the gravel creates.

 

[MegTheFish]

Thanks for the advice, but I'm not going to breed them. Too much work, LoL!

But GUESS WHAT?!?!?! Somebody's selling a 15 gallon long with all accerssories...she asked me what price I thought would be good, but I asked her if she would just sell the tank without the accessories. I'm crossing my fingers that she'll say yes. And if not, I hope she doesn't want too much for it. I'm going to try and find the dimensions on a 15 gallon long...if anybody knows in the meantime please post!

 

[MegTheFish]

Ok...can't find the dimensions yet BUT I did find a picture of a 15 gallon long:
http/www.plantedtank.net/cvarcher15.html
And it looks to be a good size to me! Kind of tall but I don't have to fill the water all the way up.

*few minutes later...*
Ok, I found it! A 15 gallon long is 30x10x12 !
I'll post when she emails me back...

EDIT:
Ok she emailed me back and said if she really had to she would sell the tank without the accessories. I said I won't go over $50 for the tank (without accessories) so what price do you think she should be asking???

 

[LuBear]

a 15 gallon 50$ without accesiories would be a good deal for both of you. If she's desperate to sell it she might sell it for less. That size should be perfect for around 10-15 bettas. Good luck on them and be sure to post some pictures of them too!

 

[MegTheFish]

Gahh! She said she spent $250 for everything and that $50 was too low for the tank itself?!?!? I don't know what to do...

 

[LuBear]

if you can't find the money in your pocket... then... bargain some more. Don't complain with her just discuss the price. You could always DIY?

 

[MegTheFish]

I think its silly to pay more then $50 for just the tank! I guess she thinks that if she paid $250 for the tank, she's gonna get $250 for the tank. But its 2nd hand! She's had it set up with fish and water..its used! Geesh. $50 IS a fair price, I would think I'm even giving her too much. I could go out and buy a 10 gallon started kit for that price! I got my 50 gallon for $200! ALSO somebody else on the same thing is selling a 75 gallon (just the tank) for $65!!! I am NOT going to pay more for a 15 gallon tank then I would for a 75 gallon.

 

[MegTheFish]

Ok, I'm giving up on this lady. She hasn't emailed me back. But thats ok, its her loss. She's been trying to sell this tank for over a year now, you'd THINK she'd be TRYING to get rid of it as quick as possible, but apparently not. I think even $50 for a used 15 gallon would be a rip off on my bahalf, anyways.
So yah, I'll stop ranting and start being happy! I was delivering my papers and the person with the tank that was sitting out for quite some time was outside, so I asked him if he was selling it. He said his son had made it (he must be pretty good, because I thought it was bought from a store it was so nice!) and he had like 4 or 5 other ones. He's going to ask his son if he wants to sell it, and he's going to either call me or leave a note in his mailbox. It had a filter and some gravel and plants in it...the filter looked broken and pretty beat up but I won't be using that anyways. The tank was probably in the 15 gallon range. It was long and short- perfect for a divided betta tank! I REALLY REALLY hope he'll sell it to me...he has 4 or 5 other ones anyways, he shouldn't be keeping them all to hiself! LoL. And its been sitting out for maybe about 10 days now through the rain and everything so I'm pretty sure he doesn't want it. I'll update you guys when I find out!

 

[Karah's_Mommy]

I agree with you, I think the lady is pretty nuts hehe. I was thinking $50 for the whole set up was a decent price I hope you get the tank from the man on your paper route, good luck

 

[MegTheFish]

Thanks