Dividing a Marine Aquarium

Dividing a Marine Aquarium

Dividing a Marine Aquarium - Introduction: Segregating a marine fish tank into well-defined compartments is called dividing an aquarium. This is achieved by installing physical barriers inside the tank to prevent any movement of inhabitants from one section to another, while ensuring unrestricted water flow between the various compartments.

Dividing a marine aquarium – the requirement: The need for dividing an aquarium might arise in the following situations:
Aggression check: Tank division helps keep aggressive pets away from each other and/or from other quieter and peaceful inhabitants, thereby preventing potential injuries. This helps avert carnivorous inhabitants from feeding on the other tank mates.
Breeding care: In case of breeding fish, dividers are crucial to keep eggs and fry away from their parents as well as other fishes in order to prevent them from being consumed.
Varied life sustenance: Dividing a tank helps keep varied species, even if they do not get along well with each other and therefore, saves the extra cost of setting up separate aquaria for different types of marine creatures.

Tank division – the material: Various materials may be used for dividing a marine water tank, such as:
Plastic partitions:They are inexpensive and can be procured from a fish store. They can also easily be made at home using plastic canvas sheets available at any craft store. These sheets can be cut to fit the aquarium and stuck using silicone or suction cups. The sheets are mesh and water can easily pass through. Convenience notwithstanding, the disadvantage of using plastic is that it is not very durable and is visible in the tank, taking away its visual appeal.
Acrylic dividers: They are more durable than plastic and can be attached to an aquarium using hooks placed on the periphery of the tank or with the help of suction cups. For a better circulation, one can drill holes in acrylic. However, acrylic also looks conspicuous and unsightly in an aquarium.
Glass: Used as a permanent separator in marine aquariums, it can be secured using non-toxic silicone sealant. Though expensive, the visual appeal of a tank is retained, as glass is virtually unnoticeable.

Tank division – tips to remember:
Proper installation: Irrespective of the material used, it is vital that the dividers are carefully and firmly installed. The divider should not fall over on the inhabitants or allow different species, to be kept apart, to cross over to each other's territories.
Divided feeding: It is essential to feed each compartment separately, as food is not likely to pass through the divides as easily as water.

Copyright © FreshMarine.com