How to Make a Fish Tank Separator

A fish tank separator divides an aquarium into two sections. Aquarists choose to divide their aquariums when they are introducing potentially aggressive fish to each other, as well as when introducing breeding pairs. A tank divider is handy when an ill fish needs to recuperate without interference from others, or when you establish new plants. In this case, first establish the plants on one side of the aquarium, while the fish are housed on the opposite side. You will have to move the fish over to allow for plants to be established on the other end of the tank.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 pieces of glass, 10 inches high by 1 ½ inches wide by ¼ inch thick
  • 2 pieces of glass, 8 inches high by 1 ½ inches wide by ¼ inch thick
  • Towels
  • Scissors
  • Sandpaper
  • Cloth
  • Small tube of 100 percent, nontoxic silicone sealer
  • Piece of plastic mesh, 9 ½ inches high by 7 ½ inches wide
  • 4 suction cups
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Instructions

    • 1

      Order four pieces of glass. Two pieces must to be 10 inches high by 1 ½ inches wide by ¼ inch thick. The second two pieces need to be 8 inches high by 1 ½ inches wide by ¼ inch thick.

    • 2

      Place the glass pieces on a soft towel on a clean and dust-free work surface.

    • 3

      Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut a piece of sandpaper into two or three strips. Use the sandpaper to lightly round the edges of each piece of glass, to prevent the glass from cutting you.

    • 4

      Wet one corner of a clean cloth with warm water and wipe the edges of each piece of glass to remove your fingerprints and any oil that was used during the glass cutting procedure.

    • 5

      Lay the two 10-inch long pieces on a clean work surface, parallel to each other. Squeeze a half teaspoon of 100 percent, nontoxic silicone sealer onto both ends of each piece of glass.

    • 6

      Carefully lay the first 8-inch long piece of glass across the top surface of both top ends of the two 10-inch long pieces. The 8-inch long piece must be placed horizontally onto the 10-inch pieces. The edges of the 8-inch piece must be square on the edges of the 10-inch pieces.

    • 7

      Carefully lay the second 8-inch long piece of glass across the surface of both bottom ends of the two 10-inch long pieces. The 8-inch long piece must be placed horizontally onto the 10-inch pieces. The edges of the 8-inch piece must be square on the edges of the 10-inch pieces. The complete form resembles a rectangle. Leave the four pieces of glass for 24 hours so the silicone can cure.

    • 8

      Squeeze a broad line of silicone along the top surface of the entire rectangle shape.

    • 9

      Carefully place the plastic mesh on the rectangle shape and push it into the silicone. Leave the divider for 24 hours so the silicone can cure.

    • 10

      Rinse the divider under a running tap for a few minutes.

    • 11

      Place the divider into your aquarium, separating it from front to back.

    • 12

      Place one rubber suction cup against the aquarium glass on either side of the divider near the gravel. Place one rubber suction cup against the aquarium glass on either side of the divider, in the middle of the aquarium and then again near the water surface. The suction cups will hold the divider in place.