20 Gallon Male Betta Divided Tank Setup & Fishroom Update

This video documents a significant upgrade to my fishroom, focusing on a new 20-gallon long tank designed to house multiple male betta fish. The previous setup was inefficient and cluttered, so I reorganized to maximize space and improve lighting. This involved dismantling smaller tanks and strategically placing the 20-gallon tank to optimize the single light fixture's effectiveness. The centerpiece of the upgrade is the divided 20-gallon tank, allowing for individual betta care while minimizing aggression. Each compartment will receive optimal filtration, initially with three sponge filters, soon to be upgraded. The video also provides an update on my other tanks, including a female betta recovery tank, a guppy community tank, and a future aquascaping project.Beyond the 20-gallon betta setup, the video gives a peek into the other inhabitants of my fishroom and future plans. We'll explore the potential addition of shrimp to the guppy tank, along with an upcoming live stream collaboration with another YouTuber. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to increase live stream activity and connect with other fishkeeping enthusiasts. The video concludes with a summary of the practical improvements made, emphasizing the efficient design, enhanced betta care, and the overall aesthetic improvements to the fishroom. The casual and informative style aims to appeal to fishkeepers of all skill levels.

Read more: Fish Tank Dividers: A Comprehensive Review of Types and Uses

Tank Teardown and Relocation

The initial fishroom setup included a 20-gallon, a 10-gallon, and a 5-gallon tank, along with a smaller fry tank. This was deemed inefficient and visually cluttered. The goal was to reorganize for better space utilization and improved lighting.

Initial view of the cluttered fishroom with multiple tanks.
Initial view of the cluttered fishroom with multiple tanks.

The 20-gallon tank was chosen as the centerpiece of the new arrangement, primarily to conserve space. Its placement would also allow the single light fixture to effectively illuminate it and another tank below, reducing electricity usage. The older tanks were dismantled to make room for the upgrade.

The process of taking apart the existing tanks to make space.
The process of taking apart the existing tanks to make space.

20-Gallon Tank Setup: Dividers and Gravel

The 20-gallon long tank was prepared to house multiple male betta fish, using dividers to create individual compartments. This provides ample swimming space for each fish while preventing aggression.

Dividers being placed in the 20-gallon tank.
Dividers being placed in the 20-gallon tank.

Gravel was added to the tank bed. The choice of colorful gravel is a stylistic preference that may be debated among experienced fish keepers, but serves as a personal touch to the aquarium.

Gravel being added to the tank, background showing the somewhat messy workspace.
Gravel being added to the tank, background showing the somewhat messy workspace.

Filtration and Aeration

Three sponge filters are initially used in the 20-gallon tank, one for each other divider. The current air pump has two lines, one powering these filters, and another for other tanks.

Close-up view of sponge filters in the 20-gallon tank.
Close-up view of sponge filters in the 20-gallon tank.

Additional sponge filters and an airline splitter will be added to optimize filtration for each compartment, ensuring adequate water movement without disturbing the bettas excessively.

Shot of the air pump and airline setup.
Shot of the air pump and airline setup.

Other Tanks and Future Plans

The other tanks in the fishroom are also discussed: a tank for female bettas needing individual care due to overeating issues, a community tank with guppies, and a nearly empty tank with plans for aquascaping in the future.

View of the tank housing the female bettas.
View of the tank housing the female bettas.

There are plans to potentially add shrimp to one of the tanks. This addition could convert it from a guppy-only setup into a shrimp and guppy community tank.

The guppy tank.
The guppy tank.

A live stream on Saturday is announced, which will include a collaboration with another YouTuber. The goal is to expand live stream activities and introduce the audience to other fish keeping content creators.

Announcement slide for the upcoming live stream.
Announcement slide for the upcoming live stream.

Conclusion

The video showcases a practical fishroom upgrade, focusing on space optimization, efficient lighting, and improved betta care. The use of dividers in the 20-gallon tank is a clear highlight. The colorful gravel choice may be controversial but fits the creator's aesthetic.

The plans for future tank setups and live streams show a dynamic and expanding fishkeeping journey. The video's casual and informative style makes it accessible to viewers of all experience levels.