plastic bin as makeshift tank?

**Hawkshadow123** · 01-14-2012, 03:06 AM

i was wondering...is it possible to use a plastic bin (about five gallons) as a makeshift tank? you know, add your own filter and buy a hood. It's long, which is what i'm aiming for, and i've had it for years now.

i was also wondering if i could just scrub it down with hot water, and it would be fish safe (i used to store markers in there..).

thanks!! :)

**Fishkeeper** · 01-14-2012, 03:21 AM

If it was me, I'd use soap to wash it, then rinse it REALLY well. Other than that, it'll work just fine.

**Hawkshadow123** · 01-14-2012, 03:24 AM

Thanks! c:

**toddnbecka** · 01-14-2012, 04:20 AM

You could, but 5 gallons is a small volume of water. Better to buy a new, larger one if you're planning to keep fish in it. Heaters are another consideration, may actually melt a hole in the plastic or soften it enough to rupture.

**Cliff** · 01-14-2012, 04:24 AM

I would not use soap to clean anything that goes into a aquarium. Too risky IMO

Is this going to be a temporary set-up ?

If your planning on using something like a rubber-maid container, you would have to re-enforce the top of the container or it will bow really badly. But you might not have that problem with a smaller container like yje 5 gallon size you have just mentioned.

Why not get a 10 gallon tank in stead ? I would think you get get a used one really cheap

**Hawkshadow123** · 01-14-2012, 04:45 AM

@roddnbecka: oh, well that's good to know. .____.

@Cliff: yup, it is, till we get settled into our new house and have everything unpacked.
it's a sterilite (brand i think) container so i'm not sure if its rubbermaide. o.o but i've filled it with water before to grow tadpoles when i was younger and it doesnt bow (i only filled it half way though, so i suppose that could be a problem).
well i think i might just end up housing guppies in there so i can move them to a 10 gal later on (after we have everything & everyone settled).