This review examines the effectiveness of a tank separator in a 55-gallon aquarium housing both baby tilapia and marble crayfish. The goal was to create a safe and efficient division within the tank, allowing both species to coexist while preventing predation. The initial expectation was that the separator would successfully achieve this separation, maximizing the use of the tank's space. However, this review details the unexpected challenges encountered and the ultimate failure of the separator to meet its intended purpose.The author's experience highlights critical design flaws in the tank separator. These flaws allowed the tilapia to easily bypass the intended barrier, rendering the product ineffective for its stated purpose. The review explores potential modifications to improve the separator's functionality, but ultimately concludes that the effort required outweighs the benefits. This firsthand account provides valuable insights for prospective buyers considering using tank separators, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and careful selection based on tank size and the specific needs of the housed species.
Read more: Fish Tank Dividers: A Comprehensive Review of Types and Uses
Initial Setup and Early Problems
I decided to test a tank separator in my 55-gallon tank, which houses both baby tilapia and marble crayfish. My goal was to see if I could use the separator to keep them separate while still utilizing the tank's space effectively. Initially, I had high hopes for the separator, believing it would create a safe and efficient division within my tank. However, I quickly discovered a significant flaw.
Overnight, several tilapia managed to successfully navigate the separator, proving its initial design to be insufficient for completely separating the fish from the crayfish. This rendered the primary purpose of the separator ineffective, as it failed to fully isolate the species.
Addressing the Separator's Shortcomings
The separator, while marketed for 55-gallon tanks, proved inadequate in its current configuration. The design allows ample space at the top for the fish to easily bypass the intended barrier. The bottom portion of the separator is also not completely sealed against the tank bottom, offering additional points of entry for the tilapia. This suggests a design flaw in the separator's overall functionality.
To potentially improve the separator’s effectiveness, I considered raising the separator to the top of the tank and filling the remaining space at the bottom with gravel or another material. This would create a more complete barrier, restricting the fish’s ability to swim over the separator.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the tank separator proved ineffective in its current state for separating the tilapia and crayfish within my 55-gallon tank. Although modifications like raising it and filling the bottom with gravel might improve its performance, the effort required isn't worth it for my needs.
For a 55-gallon tank, this particular separator is insufficient for the task, and its design should be reconsidered. I'll be removing the tilapia and converting this tank exclusively to a crayfish tank. The design should allow for the separator to be sized to fit a tank, rather than the other way around.
If you're considering purchasing a tank separator, I recommend carefully researching options and ensuring that it's specifically designed for your tank size and the species you intend to house. Consider the material of the separator and how secure it is. Also check reviews from other users.