Wild Idea...

[AshleySpatula]

it's worth a shot to ask.

if you had say... a 125 USG tank, could you split it? like maybe glue (aquarium sealant) a thick piece of glass in the middle to divide like you have two tanks, that you could put two different communities in?

have two different filtration systems running one for each side?

have like a cool discus set up in one and like african cichlids on the other?

just a thought... is it possible?

 

[Tolak]

Sure it's possible. If you use a divider that water can flow through you won't need double the filtration. If you want different water parameters you would want a solid divider, though heat will transfer from one side to another, making heat differences a little tough if this is what is desired.

 

[AshleySpatula]

yeah i was thinking about that, the heat issue would really be the only thing. because i am in love with shell dwellers and discus and cant really decide what i want to do yet with the 125g thats been sitting there FOREVER.

the roommates wanted to use it for geckos, but that never happened. i only have the tank so it's going to be a long and costly process to get everything i need, set up, build tank stand or buy one...

but if i split it evenly it's 62.5 gallons per side, which i have read is enough to keep a couple discus, but shell dwellers can be kept in smaller tanks so i might go 3/4 to discus and 1/4 to shellies. so about 93 for discus and 31 for shellies.... hmmm...

this is my little dream idea i have been thinking of lately.

but i figure if i get some really thick glass and seal it really good, the only thing that would be a problem is the temps... now i will have to do some reading and see if shellies and discus are kept at the same temps...

off to the reading!

 

[Tolak]

You could also try two pieces of glass for a divider, with about 1/2" of air space between them. Air is an excellent insulator, you would have the same effect as two tanks close to each other. This will not eliminate heat transfer, but should cut it back to where it isn't a problem.

 

[AshleySpatula]

yeah thats a good idea... also i just talked to the BF and he said maybe make like a 'rock wall' on both sides that would help insulate and hide the glass diveder, then i thought of all those articles i have been reading lately about DIY 3D backgrounds made out of styrofoam and cement?

styrofoam is a good insulator right? if i made one about two inches thick on both sides of the glass that would help a lot i think.

then i could make the whole back of both tanks the same way, and i dont think it would displace enough water to really matter right?

 

[Tolak]

If you understand the way insulation works, all it does is hold air, or help keep an airspace stagnant. Your main areas of heat transfer would be the common sheets of glass, that just means one heater will work a little more or less.

The common background will help hide it, but you are bound to have somewhat of a mirror effect with the two pieces of glass, similar to two tanks next to each other.