Planted Tank Substrate Divider

48425 Views 25 Replies 15 Participants Last post by Broutilde, Jun 17, 2019

Neptune's Folly

Discussion Starter · Jul 17, 2012

Hello all,

This is not only my first thread on this forum, it's my first posting. Like many others, I've been trawling the forums looking for insights and advice about getting my first planted aquarium up and running and have been very succesful to date. However, I finally ran into a subject I can't find much info about.

I've been trying to find threads related to substrate division on this site and not been very lucky. Specifically, I'm trying to learn about the use of dividers in substrate to create "zones" of plants. I've seen multiple threads concerning dividing sand from gravel, etc., but my focus is primarily on plant runners, not the substrate itself.

For example, if I'm trying to grow both HC and dwarf hairgrass, but don't want the DHG spreading into the HC section, I was thinking if I put up plastic walls within the substrate it would prevent the DHG runners from entering the HC "zone". Any runners would have to come up, over the wall and would thus be easy prey to my always hungry snips. Again, this is just an example. I'm thinking the same theory should work for foreground, midground or background plants that propogate via runners. I'd appreciate any insights you all could offer on the matter.

Cheers

1 - 20 of 26 Posts

LaSirena

· #2 · Jul 17, 2012

Hi! I'm new too, but have been "lurking" for awhile too. I have never thought of using dividers before, and that sounds like a great idea. I don't see why it wouldn't work. I like the idea of dividing the foreground/midground/background.

NWA-Planted

· #3 · Jul 17, 2012

Neptune's Folly said:
Hello all,

This is not only my first thread on this forum, it's my first posting. Like many others, I've been trawling the forums looking for insights and advice about getting my first planted aquarium up and running and have been very succesful to date. However, I finally ran into a subject I can't find much info about.

I've been trying to find threads related to substrate division on this site and not been very lucky. Specifically, I'm trying to learn about the use of dividers in substrate to create "zones" of plants. I've seen multiple threads concerning dividing sand from gravel, etc., but my focus is primarily on plant runners, not the substrate itself.

For example, if I'm trying to grow both HC and dwarf hairgrass, but don't want the DHG spreading into the HC section, I was thinking if I put up plastic walls within the substrate it would prevent the DHG runners from entering the HC "zone". Any runners would have to come up, over the wall and would thus be easy prey to my always hungry snips. Again, this is just an example. I'm thinking the same theory should work for foreground, midground or background plants that propogate via runners. I'd appreciate any insights you all could offer on the matter.

Cheers

Your 100% right in your thinking, the same plastic you would use to divide substrate would work equally as well on the runners just like your thinking

Btw welcome to TPT!.

Neptune's Folly

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 17, 2012

LaSirena, good to see a fellow lurker. Glad you liked the idea.

NWA-Planted, thanks for the welcome and the insight. Looks like my planning will now be a little more in depth than I thought, but hopefully I won't have to watch my best laid plant plans perish. Yeah alliteration.

VB SUP

· #5 · Jul 20, 2012

I have been looking for similar info too. Weeks ago I came across a thread where the individual used clear plexiglass purchased at the Home Depot for the divider. In 2 weekends I'm going to install a similar divider to create a waterline type effect separating my DHG from the sand that I'll be using.

Thin Acrylic sheet should work work just fine. I haven't found the correct silicone to use but i'm sure someone has posted that info somewhere already.

http://www.homedepot.com/Building-M...splay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

Imaging the cardboard in the picture being shorter pieces of plastic instead.

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Williak

· #6 · Jul 21, 2012

Good idea! You could probably cut that acrylic with a razor to fit. Planning on doing this myself, but for the purpose of maintaining the substrate slopes in my new 55.

Nice set up by the way VB SUP, I like the separation and extra depth it offers :red_mouth

VB SUP

· #7 · Jul 22, 2012

Thanks for the complement,

Lowe's will cut the plastic for you for free. $2 for the plastic and about $3 for the silicone. Well worth it if I get the look I want.

I'll add it in the nest 2 weeks I'm sure. I think a heat gun might be handy to help mold and contour the plastic so it looks more natural, less ridged.

ravensgate

· #8 · Jul 31, 2012

Would any clear plastic work as a divider (like Tupperware bowl material)?? I really don't see why not but I'd hate to screw something up by missing something important

Neptune's Folly

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 31, 2012

VB SUP said:
Thanks for the complement,

Lowe's will cut the plastic for you for free. $2 for the plastic and about $3 for the silicone. Well worth it if I get the look I want.

I'll add it in the nest 2 weeks I'm sure. I think a heat gun might be handy to help mold and contour the plastic so it looks more natural, less ridged.

I managed to find the acrylic sheets in Home Depot, but after looking at over a dozen tubes of silicone I wasn't able to find a single one that was appropriate for submerged use. Would you please share the brand of silicone you went with?

The closest thing I have to a heat gun is a slightly malfunctioning hair dryer and despite my best efforts, I can't get my girlfriend to fully trust me with hers. So I'm thinking of cutting 1" - 2" strips and then baking them in the oven for a little bit to allow molding. Would that work?

Ravensgate, I'm not sure the answer to your question. The prime concern would be if the plastic was treated with any chemicals that would slowly leach into your system. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than I will respond to your query.

ravensgate

· #10 · Jul 31, 2012

DAP makes an Aquarium Safe Silicone that should be in the stores at Home Depot. I'm about to run out to my HD in the next hour and will report back when I return if it helps

ravensgate

· #11 · Aug 1, 2012

They've got it. It's right where the other glues are (Gorilla Glue, Super Glue, etc). Had a little fishy on the front and says 'freshwater and saltwater safe' All Purpose Adhesive Sealant.

flight50

· #12 · Aug 1, 2012

GE windows and doors silicone I would be the better choice. Coming from a former depot employee (just quit after 9 years) the DAP brand is inferior to the GE brand. The same GE version can be used to reseal a glass tank as well. Good quality stuff.

ayobreezie

· #13 · Aug 1, 2012

Make sure the GE stuff is 100% silicone.. they have ones that aren't aquarium safe.

VB SUP

· #14 · Aug 8, 2012

3

Tonight I added plexiglass strips to keep the flora from creeping into unwanted areas. With luck this will keep the roots of the DHG from spreading into the nile sand which represents a stream in my aquarium. Home Depot cut the plexiglass into 2 inch strips which I bent after heating with a hair dryer. After bending them I dipped them in ice water to harden. Using a hand drill fitted with a sanding disk I was able to created a custom fit. I was able to find aquarium safe silicone at HD near the other caulks and adhesives. If you don't already know only buy 100% silicone that doesn't have mildew inhibitors. That information is only in the fine print sometimes like it is with some GE silicone 2 for windows and doors.

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jakevwapp84

· #15 · Aug 8, 2012

Hello I was wondering where you got your rocks?

sunyang730

· #16 · Aug 8, 2012

jakevwapp84 said:
Hello I was wondering where you got your rocks?

I want to know exactly what you want to know!

MichaelMcG

· #17 · Aug 8, 2012

they look like the same rocks you can get at petsmart or petco

VB SUP

· #18 · Aug 9, 2012

I got the rock at a local landscaper store and picked threw his rubble. A 5 gallon bucket cost me $5.

Neptune's Folly

Discussion Starter · #19 · Aug 9, 2012

Wow VB SUP. If I was trying for a little bit of containment you've got maximum lockdown. The 'scape, looks cool too. Thanks for the detailed process.

I have a quick favor to ask. Would you be able to post a picture of the actual silicone you bought? I looked for about 20 minutes in the caulk section and when I asked a HD associate for a silicone sealant for fully submersed applications they had no idea where to send me. Thank you much.

Diana

· #20 · Aug 10, 2012

GE Silicone I for windows and doors is one of the aquarium safe ones. The label says not underwater because they did not want to go to the expense of testing it.
Do not use kitchen and bath. That one may have mold inhibitors.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...ord=silicone+caulk&storeId=10051#.UCRUh6CDGBM

1 - 20 of 26 Posts

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