How to make a split tank divider: photo guide
Jul 3, 2023 11:34:04 GMT -8
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Jul 3, 2023 11:34:04 GMT -8
How to make a simple split tank divider without power tools. This guide will be helpful if you need to make a divider but don't have access to a drill. You can also adapt this method to make a tank lid.
You will need:
- Glass tank with lid
- Wood
- Wire mesh
- Hand saw
- Pen/pencil
- Measuring tape
- Clamp(s)
- Staple gun and staples
- Goggles
- Wire cutters*
- File
- Sandpaper
Wood
Use untreated, kiln-dried wood. In the UK, what you are looking for is generally sold as sawn kiln-dried whitewood/spruce timber. Avoid anything treated (it will often be greenish in colour) and avoid redwoods.
Mesh
Use square wire mesh, not chicken wire. You can use 6mm or 1cm mesh.
*If you don't have wire cutters, a strong pair of scissors will often cut mesh. But it will ruin the scissors so don't use any you care about!
Method
First, you need to measure your tank to find out what size divider you need. Measure the internal height and internal width (short side) of your tank. For example, mine measures 29x29cm internally. It's better to err on the side of slightly too small rather than too big. If your divider ends up a bit too small, you can often wedge it in place with cardboard and thin sheets of wood, but if it's too big, it's going to be very difficult (but not impossible) to fix.
Now you need to cut some lengths of wood to make a frame. First, measure a length of wood the same as the internal height of your tank. Mark the right length on the wood and then firmly clamp your wood to a work surface. If you want, you can also clamp a piece of wood next to the line you need to cut to help you saw straight (as shown below).
Sand down any rough edges with sandpaper.
Repeat the above steps so that you have two lengths of wood each the same as the internal height of your tank.
Next you need to cut the top and bottom lengths. First measure the width of your wood, multiply that by two and subtract that from the internal width of your tank. For example, my tank has an internal width of 29cm and my wood is 2cm thick, so I need to cut two lengths each 25cm long to form the top and bottom of my divider. Follow the instructions above to cut these lengths of wood.
Now that you have four pieces of wood, lay them out to form a frame. Double check the dimensions of your frame before proceeding to stapling it.
While wearing goggles, use the staple gun to staple twice at each corner where the red lines are in the image below. Then turn the frame over and do the same on the other side. If you wood is quite wide, you could do 3 staples at each corner.
This is a good point to check how your wooden frame fits in your tank.
Once you've checked that the frame fits, you can proceed to stapling on the mesh.
Measure a piece of mesh to fit over your wooden frame. Use wire cutters to cut it out, and then try to remove or file down any sharp edges. With the sharp bits that stick out as shown below, I tend to use a pair of pliers to bend them off.
Wearing goggles, staple the mesh to your frame. If your frame happens to be slightly too short for your tank, you can allow the mesh to hang over the top to prevent the gerbils climbing over.
Double check for any remaining sharp edges, and then your divider is finished.
If you have some leftover wood and you want to make your split super secure, you can cut some lengths of wood to wedge the divider in place as shown below.
You will need:
- Glass tank with lid
- Wood
- Wire mesh
- Hand saw
- Pen/pencil
- Measuring tape
- Clamp(s)
- Staple gun and staples
- Goggles
- Wire cutters*
- File
- Sandpaper
Wood
Use untreated, kiln-dried wood. In the UK, what you are looking for is generally sold as sawn kiln-dried whitewood/spruce timber. Avoid anything treated (it will often be greenish in colour) and avoid redwoods.
Mesh
Use square wire mesh, not chicken wire. You can use 6mm or 1cm mesh.
*If you don't have wire cutters, a strong pair of scissors will often cut mesh. But it will ruin the scissors so don't use any you care about!
Method
First, you need to measure your tank to find out what size divider you need. Measure the internal height and internal width (short side) of your tank. For example, mine measures 29x29cm internally. It's better to err on the side of slightly too small rather than too big. If your divider ends up a bit too small, you can often wedge it in place with cardboard and thin sheets of wood, but if it's too big, it's going to be very difficult (but not impossible) to fix.
Now you need to cut some lengths of wood to make a frame. First, measure a length of wood the same as the internal height of your tank. Mark the right length on the wood and then firmly clamp your wood to a work surface. If you want, you can also clamp a piece of wood next to the line you need to cut to help you saw straight (as shown below).
Sand down any rough edges with sandpaper.
Repeat the above steps so that you have two lengths of wood each the same as the internal height of your tank.
Next you need to cut the top and bottom lengths. First measure the width of your wood, multiply that by two and subtract that from the internal width of your tank. For example, my tank has an internal width of 29cm and my wood is 2cm thick, so I need to cut two lengths each 25cm long to form the top and bottom of my divider. Follow the instructions above to cut these lengths of wood.
Now that you have four pieces of wood, lay them out to form a frame. Double check the dimensions of your frame before proceeding to stapling it.
While wearing goggles, use the staple gun to staple twice at each corner where the red lines are in the image below. Then turn the frame over and do the same on the other side. If you wood is quite wide, you could do 3 staples at each corner.
This is a good point to check how your wooden frame fits in your tank.
Once you've checked that the frame fits, you can proceed to stapling on the mesh.
Measure a piece of mesh to fit over your wooden frame. Use wire cutters to cut it out, and then try to remove or file down any sharp edges. With the sharp bits that stick out as shown below, I tend to use a pair of pliers to bend them off.
Wearing goggles, staple the mesh to your frame. If your frame happens to be slightly too short for your tank, you can allow the mesh to hang over the top to prevent the gerbils climbing over.
Double check for any remaining sharp edges, and then your divider is finished.
If you have some leftover wood and you want to make your split super secure, you can cut some lengths of wood to wedge the divider in place as shown below.
, I was debating whether to move it to the DIY FAQ section (as this section is meant for Behaviour and introducing guides etc), but I do see why you put it here.
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