Storage bins as fish tanks?

So I thought that maybe a storage bin could be used as a fish tank? Not temporarily, but as a full time tank. I saw a thread about a Betta tank made out of one, and also some YouTube videos that show them. I have a 90 liter storage box that has never contained anything but blankets. Would that be okay? Here's a link...

https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/sistema-storage-organiser-90l-clear/R1771951.html

Obviously it'd have all the usual fish tank staples, heater, filter etc.

 

I would assume it would be safe? I couldn't think of why not. I would of course let it sit in dechlorinated water for a few days (with WC every day) just to be on the safe side. What do you plan on putting in it?

 

I found this on Sistema's website:
Sistema Product is manufactured from materials which are free of both Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S.

However, I would be really careful with plastic, read this article too:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/06/20/bpa-free-plastic-still-toxic.aspx

Besides, wouldn't the plastic distort whatever you are planning on keeping in the container?

 

We have food-grade plastic containers here. I assume they are safe as they are designed for storing human foods.

 

Thanks guys. Probably some cories, dwarf cichlids and tetras. One question, if I bought a smaller version and had a Betta in it, would the fact it's opaque affect its personality? Because I imagine it won't be able to see me.

 

Why don't you buy an aquarium? Seems like a lot of work just to look in from the top which naturally scares fish, think you're a predator. I think your fish will be highly stressed. Sorry if I offend, don't mean too.

 

My parents want to have proof that I'll care for them before they buy an aquarium. It's rather annoying, so I was just trying to find a way too have fish at less of a cost. No Craigslist or $ per gallon here, so just the tank is gonna be $200, hence the lure of a $50 storage bin as an alternative.

 

Corydora, where are you from?? If you don't mind me asking.

 

New Zealand. Next to Australia, if you don't know where NZ is Suprising amount of people think we are an Aussie city. Anyway, yeah NZ. A lot of pet stuff is imported, which makes it very expensive.

 

Ah. That Is brutal. Lol

 

A girl from my school went to Germany in an exchange trip sand someone came up to her and asked if there were any Hobbits in her class! And then someone else said, no, Hobbits were all boys! That made us laugh for ages.

 

I found out in another thread how expensive tanks are in your part of the world! Do a search for storage tote fish tanks and you'll find all kinds of ideas for setups, even fairly big ones, though you'll likely have to build some sort of support frame to prevent the flimsy sides from bowing and failing

 

Thanks Aquaphobia. Seems like you are a good person to ask, so would you mind answering one thing for me: would having a Betta in an opaque tank affect its personality? It would not be able to see out. Would that mean it didn't recognise me?

 

It would probably be fine! They're pretty smart, they'd figure out soon enough that the person who looks in from above brings food

I'll summon Jnx, she has some really cool Betta "ponds" that might give you some ideas!

 

Thanks

 

Bettas are a shallow dwelling fish, so a storage bin might be ideal, because it isn't deep yet provides a decent surface area for a betta to explore. A lot of people warn against bettas jumping out of their own water. I've never had this problem ever, however, I say it's worth mentioning if we're talking about bettas in shallow containers.

 

Oh it'll have a lid for sure. Thanks for the pointer, hadn't thought about the fact that it'd be a pretty good replica rice paddy

 

I've only ever had Bettas jump when I kept them in too small containers without filtration or heat. Just sayin'!