Substrate divider?

[Maestro]

I've been seeing a lot of aquariums using two or more substrate types, and I figure it would be interesting to work worth. Currently my aquarium is 100% EcoComplete, however I think a small area of sand (approx. 1/4 of the tank bed) would be nice in order to get a greater variety of plants and fish.

My plan to keep the two substrates from mixing was to get some kind of plastic barrier, and silicone some rocks to it to make it look nice. Has anybody done this before? Have any pictures or links that I can check out? Also, what would be a good type of plastic barrier and silicone to use that I could pick up at say, Home Depot?

[gadget228]

I have that setup in my tank, Eco-complete in the back and a sandy beach in the front. The two are separated by a rock wall built out of a bunch of small flat rocks stacked up that I got from my local creek. I did it this way so there would be a lot of small nooks and crannies that fry could hide out in. I didn't silicon the rocks together because I wanted to be able to remove them If I needed to clean them and could also rearrange them for a different look.

Only problem I have had so far is that one of my pleco's keeps digging in the Eco-complete and pushes it over the wall onto the beach. Will try to take some pictures and get them posted.

[chrisfraser05]

you can buy these at my LFS, think its Jewel that make them.

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Not my pic by the way. I'd do the same but with either real or even home make artificial rocks ;)

[Maestro]

Thanks for the replies!

Chris, I don't believe Jewel products are available in the United States, although that would make my life a lot easier. :shrug:

gadget, photos would be great! Looking forward to seeing them. I don't think any fish in my tank would cause the substrates to mix, as it's only a 15 gallon with small fish.
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[gadget228]

Not the best of photo's but will give you an idea on how I did mine. Planning on adding a lot more plants and have to deal with what I think is black hair algae trying to take over my tank. (blush)


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[Maestro]

Ah I see, thanks for the pictures. thumbs2:

I found a plastic barrier (dividers from an old tool box), and I had Ge 1 silicone already. So it should be finished in the next couple of days.