Question: Dividing a 40 long?

Elliriyanna · Feb 14, 2013

I just realized I have a 40 long aquarium ( I have been using it for hamsters so long lol)

I was wondering if there was a way to put in a dark solid acrylic wall siliconed in as a barrier and turn my one tank into two? I know multiple species of amphibians can not be housed together but I thought this may work so I can upgrade my cyanurus and get an axolotl.

Sawyer · Feb 14, 2013

I had pieces of glass cut to make a 55 gallon aquarium into a 3 part/3 species aquarium. I left about a 3 inch gap at the bottom and covered it with a mesh screen so that I could use 1 filter for the whole thing rather than 3 filters.

I just used aquarium silicone and it has held up perfectly and now the current newts are thoroughly enjoying their set up.

Elliriyanna · Feb 14, 2013

I did want two filters actually lol just so I can control EVERYTHING in the environment ... I want to divide it half and half one Axie and I want to add more Cyanurus after I upgrade

Sawyer · Feb 14, 2013

You can use the same method but have the pieces cut big enough to where there is no gap. I did this because all the newts I will be keeping generally need the same temps and so on. It was definitely a pre-planned idea.

Jennewt · Feb 14, 2013

If the water level on the two sides will be different, the divider will need to be STRONG. It will also need to be secure all the way to the top to prevent the newts from climbing over.

Elliriyanna · Feb 14, 2013

both sides will be aquatic newts and there shouldnt be much different if any in the water depth. Axolotls and Cyanurus ... Fill both about 3 inches from the top. Do you really think they will try climbing over? the little lip can make it hard to get a perfect fit. Its 1 ft wide by 1 ft tall

Sawyer · Feb 15, 2013

Elliriyanna said:
both sides will be aquatic newts and there shouldnt be much different if any in the water depth. Axolotls and Cyanurus ... Fill both about 3 inches from the top. Do you really think they will try climbing over? the little lip can make it hard to get a perfect fit. Its 1 ft wide by 1 ft tall

Similar to what Jennewt mentioned, it is imperative that you have each section 100% controlled. While you might never see them roaming about and they seem perfecting content, you'd be amazed at where you find your newts at 3 in the morning.

With mine I left a gap at the top of about 2 inches and also used a mesh to fill this space. My reasoning in doing so was because I wanted to maximize airflow throughout all 3 sections even though it has a mesh lid. Sometimes you just have to get a little creative.

Elliriyanna · Feb 15, 2013

What's the smallest gap a newt can fit through? Just si I am COMPLETELY safe ...

Sawyer · Feb 15, 2013

Elliriyanna said:
What's the smallest gap a newt can fit through? Just si I am COMPLETELY safe ...

I'd say literally ANY gap. I once had a paddletail get through a hole the was slightly larger than the filter cord that ran through it. I was truly amazed, disappointed as well.

Otterwoman · Feb 15, 2013

It can't be an acrylic divider, it has to be glass, and then you can use silicone to attach it. You can do a higher version of what I did here.

Elliriyanna · Feb 15, 2013

Why does it have to be glass? Most tanks are made of Acrylic these days

Kaysie · Feb 16, 2013

Aquariums are usually glass. Acrylic tanks are expensive! And they scratch easily.

Elliriyanna · Feb 16, 2013

I don't believe my tank is glass ... Its pretty light for a glass tank. But why couldnt the divider be acrylic if its used in aquariums anyway?

Btw I always call aquarium sealant silicone

Sawyer · Feb 16, 2013

Elliriyanna said:
I don't believe my tank is glass ... Its pretty light for a glass tank. But why couldnt the divider be acrylic if its used in aquariums anyway?

Btw I always call aquarium sealant silicone

Go ahead and use acrylic then! Glass is standard for smaller tanks with a tempered glass bottom. I know of people who have made 250+ gallon tanks out of plexi glass. Your cheapest option will be glass. The divider should cost between $5-$10 and should be 1/4" glass to be safe (in my experience) At most all you would need would be aquarium safe silicone, mesh, and a cut of glass. Any questions beyond this point would just be personal opinion beyond what has been stated by several adequate newt keepers. Good luck and you've chosen some very newbie friendly species. I wish them and you well.

Elliriyanna · Feb 16, 2013

I just started to worry because I have never seen glass sheets anywhere and I can pick up material for dividers at Home depot.

Thanks I wanted something easy for a newbie so I would have less chance of seriously messing something up.

Kaysie · Feb 16, 2013

If it's really light, it might be reptile glass. A photo would probably help, especially of the corners.

Sawyer · Feb 16, 2013

Elliriyanna said:
I just started to worry because I have never seen glass sheets anywhere and I can pick up material for dividers at Home depot.

Thanks I wanted something easy for a newbie so I would have less chance of seriously messing something up.

You can get the custom pieces cut at most any hardware store.

Elliriyanna · Feb 16, 2013

i have only ever lifted this tank so i am not sure how its weight compares maybe it just seems light to me. we have had this tank over 16 years and its always been a fish tank

Question: Dividing a 40 long?

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