Plastic tubs for fish?

[packer43064]

Hey everyone. What do you all think of using plastic tubs for cichlids. I mean I've seen 50 gallon tubs at walmart for 10 bucks. And I could easily put a HOB filter on it and a heater and gravel or sand. I mean I would have to make a light for it some how, but that wouldn't even be that hard to do.

But would the fish get more scared though. I mean I wouldn't wanna put my green terror in there if it will just freak out the whole time. It wouldn't have a good look to it though. But if I can get a 50 gallon for 10 bucks I'm up for that. ANd well I just wanted to try it anyways. What do you all think. The pro's and con's of using a tupperware or any brand plastic tub.

 

[nfored]

I have a con.

80% chance you wont be able to fill it up, they where not ment to hold water, and the sides will start to bow out. very messy trust me I have had it happen, I had to in quick hurry empty my 55 gallon and move it up stairs, put the water in a rubermaid 50 gallon contain (that cost more then $10.00). It was bowing out and spilling water i had to split the water into 3 containers, I think they can be filled about half way up.

 

[wolfsburgfanatic]

alot of people on here use them for QT tanks, and big plastic farm tubs and stuff like that for rays.

EDIT: you can wrap the sides with belts or tie downs to prevent the bowing or even build a simple wood frame around it for support.

What about trying a kiddie pool instead?

 

[woofy]

We have 3 large tubs outside. One is filled with plants with a screen. The other is filled with cichlids babies and a mesh screen. and the other has two turtles. We drilled holes on the sides so if it rains they wont overflow

 

[Knowdafish]

They work good if the sides are properly supported to keep them from bowing out.

 

[woodyoz]

lots of scratches turning the tubs ugly

 

[Dr Joe]

Plastic tubs should only be used for temp & emergency use, not as an excuse to keep more fish because of cheap containers. Watch heater placement.

I have a con.

80% chance you wont be able to fill it up, they where not ment to hold water, and the sides will start to bow out. very messy trust me I have had it happen, I had to in quick hurry empty my 55 gallon and move it up stairs, put the water in a rubermaid 50 gallon contain (that cost more then $10.00). It was bowing out and spilling water i had to split the water into 3 containers, I think they can be filled about half way up.

, They have a good 50g at Sam's club that will hold the water well.

lots of scratches turning the tubs ugly

Huh? How do they get scratched?

Dr Joe

.

 

[albirdy]

We have 3 large tubs outside. One is filled with plants with a screen. The other is filled with cichlids babies and a mesh screen. and the other has two turtles. We drilled holes on the sides so if it rains they wont overflow

Wow, that sounds great. Could we see pictures of this? how large are the tubs and such? Specifics, please I am thinking of something like this.

 

[Dr_Shakalu]

I'm surprised no one said this. You are only going to see the fish from the top since their are no windows on the sides of the tub.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

we're trying to use them to grow some plants