Turned an 80s underwater camera casing into a beta tank

**BADF1SH** · 07-13-2012, 12:25 AM

So in my spare time at work i found this underwater camera housing that was being thrown out and figured i would save it to do something with one day. Well i turned it into a mini beta tank or maybe 2-3 tetras. I figured if it kept water out it could keep water in and it does! i fabricated mounted lights that are well hidden and put an air hose line in for an aerator. I made a swivel stand out of scrap plexi and an old work chair wheel and polished the edges of the plexi for an LED light to shine through it.
I was just looking for comments or questions on this crazy thing i made

**Brhino** · 07-13-2012, 04:29 AM

it's certainly a neat project but how much water do you suppose it holds? From the photos it doesn't seem like it would be enough to support a fish.

**BADF1SH** · 07-13-2012, 12:21 PM

well it holds 1/2 a gallon... :/ im leaning towards a neon tetra since it is rather a confined space. More of a salt water dude but thought this would be a cool project that is unique

**Aeonflame** · 07-13-2012, 12:48 PM

A single neon tetra is out of the question since they belong in groups, which that tank could not support. Honestly, the only thing I would advise keeping in there are a couple shrimp or some snails. Cool idea but just not suitable for fish.

**BADF1SH** · 07-13-2012, 01:25 PM

Ok, thanks. Shrimp would be cool in there. I have another much larger 90s underwater casing that holds almost a gallon and a half, any fish suggestions for that? It wont be converted into a tank for months

**evilhorde** · 07-13-2012, 01:27 PM

It will be pretty good for killing Bettas slowly I suspect.
Bettas need access to surface air. They don't extract oxygen from water like most fish.
At only 1/2 gallon, I would also say stick to a couple shrimps or snails.

**Aeonflame** · 07-13-2012, 01:29 PM

Problem is, the minimum recommended tank for a betta is 5 gallons, and you may be able to get away with 3 as long as you step up the maintenance. These cases dont really allow for filtration so fish are really out of the question.

**BADF1SH** · 07-13-2012, 01:32 PM

Understandable about the air, but there will be 3/4in of an air space at the surface with an air/food port on top...id rather not be killing any fish unless i could eat them

**BADF1SH** · 07-13-2012, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by Aeonflame

Problem is, the minimum recommended tank for a betta is 5 gallons, and you may be able to get away with 3 as long as you step up the maintenance. These cases dont really allow for filtration so fish are really out of the question.

I just feel like its a better home than a walmart dixie cup, and as for the 2nd case i could build a whole stand with inflow outflow plumbing on the case to a base of a stand with a 5gallonwhite bucket and filter? My 2ndback one i want to make livable since the 1st was kinda an art project as well

Thanks all for input