Plastic Container for Tropical Fish?
We have a clear, plastic storage container (not microwave safe) that we are thinking of using as a quarintine tank when/if our tropical fish get sick.
We have heard conflicting advice as to whether or not it’s safe to use. One concern we have is because we’d have a heater in there (as well as a filter), would the heat cause anything to excret from the plastic and poison the fish?
Thanks.
May 7th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
is the plastic container food-safe? generally food-safe plastics are safe for fish in the short term, and a heater can work as long as it’s not too powerful and does not come into contact with the plastic.
May 7th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
sorry that’s not a good container to use
if you washed it with soap it will kill your
fish and the heat in a plastic could give off
toxins for your fish
you would be better getting a glass
container and cleaning it with out
using soap and use that. you could
clean it with bleach and then rinse well
and let sit out at least 24-48 hours to
dry. good luck
May 8th, 2010 at 12:11 am
Make sure there is no residue in the container and it should be fine. Food grade plastics aren’t supposed to give off toxins but if you add heat and it’s not microwave safe then I’d be wary of it.
You can buy a 5 gallon aquarium for under $10 at most pet supply stores. It’s all the filters, hood, etc that add to the price. I picked one up for $7.95 for just that tank and use it with a small filter I already had and a piece of plastic canvas over the top.
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May 8th, 2010 at 1:08 am
I have used clear rubbermaid plastic containers for hospital tanks for sick and injured tropical fish with no issues. They are cheap, easy, large enough and store away well when finished.
I would advise you to buy a new one (you can get a 10 gallon at Wal Mart for under $7) because you do want to make sure it’s clean, and free from all residues that could further harm a sick or injured fish. You also want to make sure this is the only use it is used for. And if the one you have is not microwave safe it’s not suggested for this use.
Good luck: )