I need a tank divider to replace my DIY version and I see that there are at least two types retail. One is a film type and the other is a screen type. Both look rather flimsy to me. I'm using a piece of egg crate now and my Convict's nose is getting messed up from jamming it in the holes when he and the Firemouth go at it. Thanks for any advice.

I was told to use plastic canvas to make dividers for betta. I never ended up dividing the tank, but I bought some and it would be really handy. I found some in the sewing/craft section in WalMart. It is used for weaving things through it like ribbon or fancy sewing. The brand on it is "quick count" The holes come in different sizes. You can get sheets that are a few feet long and even little-bitty ones. You would still have to use silicone or something.

I don't know if it would keep two raging cichlids apart, but it might be something worth looking into next time you are at the store.

I don't know if that helps.

I'm sure that there are some people here who have tested out dividers of different brands/kinds with cichlids.

Good Luck! :D

Thanks, CL. I think I will give it a try. I have a feeling it may be too flexible. If so, I will just slip it in along side the eggcrate on the Convicts side. I need something sturdy enough to withstand the "attacks".

Yeah. It being too flexible was also my main concern.

It at least might could go over the eggcrate to protect his nose for the time being. The stuff is really inexpersive, so it won't be a great loss if you don't end up using it.

Good luck :D

:D Yep! Worked fine! I just slipped it in along side the eggcrate on the Convict's side of the tank after trimming it down to size a bit. I just put it in a little while ago. He was a bit leary of it at first, now he's right up there inspecting it. :) Thank you for the suggestion. :up:

The best way to cement the DIY plastic canvas dividers is to get the bindings for report covers, then seal them to the sides of the aquarium with aquarium sealant.

Then cut the canvas to size and slide it in! It'll stay forever pretty much! :D

Here's a couple of shots of my DIY dividers:




Sorry the side shot is so big, I thought I re-sized them. As you can see, report cover, cut to fit, glued to sides. Sometimes if you're not careful they'll go crooked, as you can see. If the tank is tall, you can glue one in, then cut another to fit the top half.