Combining two 10 gallons

[craigslice]

I was thinking, my 2 gerbils are currently in a 10 gallon aquarium that cost me like $9.48 at Wal-Mart. I was thinking, would it be possible for me to get another and take out 1 side of the glass on each one and connect them with some Caulk. Anyone think that tihs would work, or has anyone done it before. I know local petstores were trying to sell 10 gallon aquariums for $20.00+.

[reallybes]

Those petstores are probably selling those aquariums with a kit, like a reptile or fish kit. But if it's just the 10 gallon being sold for 20+ then that's clearly a rip off. Of course you can always try that method or you can join them with a simple tube so they can go in and out whichever one they feel. By this, you can even create two different environments, especially one with sand. That would be a lot of fun

[AndreaS15]

I have two 10g Tanks connected with plastic tubing through the lid, for my 3 younger boys tank. I got all these 10G donated to me, and buying 20G are over $80 here. So I had to put them to the best use possible.
You could also make a topper for the 10G tank, either with mesh or plexi glass. I made one with plexiglass, but my glue wasn't good enough, so I have to re-do the whole thing
Trying to remove panels from the tanks would be tuff, being they are so flimsy, I wanted to do that so I brought my idea up with my Dads who's a Glazier, and he said no way because it would most likely break when you try to remove it. The glass they use is realyl crappy quality.

[shari]

Hi, I was wondering the same thing. I want to put a tube from one 10 gallon to another but have no idea of what to use. Plastic will not work. Maybe pvc piping? If I get it figured out, I'll post pictures. Right now I'm making simple wire covers, two pieces for each cage where one side will stay on the cage and the other will lift up using the piping as a handle to get into the cage. Hmmmm.
I wonder if you could put a small hole in each aquarium and then glue a tube between the two? That sounds good to me. I'll have to look into it. Who would cut glass like that?

[reallybes]

Hey Shannerson, the problem with using PVC piping or anything similar to connect two tanks is that there are no ridges inside for the gerbils to climb. The pet store kind are specially ridged for easy climbing & access. Maybe you can brainstorm some ideas to fix that problem.

[shari]

yes, bes I thought of that too. will think on it. it should not be too hard to glue some little steps inside. i love brainstorming so this is right up my alley. for curiosity, what do you use, if you connect cages? I see others mention the plastic tubing, but I don't understand how they use it. I had to buy a 20 gallon hight tank for my boys as the DEH chewed teh sides off of the shorter 10 gallon. I put a plastsic tube in for a little time and he chewed of half of one end. yikes. btw, checked out your website--I like the format, different, and love the clear pictures.

[reallybes]

Oh, that old thing?? Haha jk .. Thanks, although it needs more updating .. it's subject to a lazy owner

I don't have any connected tanks but I do happen to use PVC as tunnels under their bedding .. If I ever were to connect any tanks I would use a large vacuum hose or something. I'm sure if you look around the forum you can find some good tips.

[adobe27]

I would cut a bit out of the op if you can and join them through the roof because then you could keep them intact better

[kansascitykennel]

I am considering connecting two or three ten gallons for the gerbils we keep to be in colonies of same sex. Do you guys think that would work?

Kathy

[RitzieAnn]

my only worry is that it's super easy for them to "stake out" their own turff. If you clans are more than 2, then they might split up more easily. i'd be worried of connecting 3 tanks. However, I really see no problem with 2

[AndreaS15]

Here is my boys tanks connected




Here is the topper i built but never uesed, the glue i used didn't hold well enough.

[shari]

I now have two 10 gallons together. Sorry, no picture. I used one topper where the normal hamster tubing fits into for a ladder and the other side I made a top with a hole in it and wire ladder. To connect I used 3 pieces of pvc and it works really well. They like to stay up in the pvc and because the corner is so sharp they do not have hardly any problem with the slipperyness. Just waiting for them to get bored and chew up the plastic hamster tube!