Rubbermaid Tank

[mr.waffles1842]

So i decided it was time to tear down my old QT tank (5 gallons) so i can get a livebearer tank. Only thing is, i will need a replacement QT tank. My current tank is housing a new betta for the time being. Once i DO tear it down, i think i have a replacement tank. However, i need to know if its safe for fish use. I read the AA article on QT tanks, and i saw rubbermaid containers can be used as QT tanks. Its great, because i have a fresh, unused one at home. However, can i use it? Is it usuable i mean? ive heard it shouldnt be mildew resistant somewhere. Maybe the article? plz advise.

 

[mr.waffles1842]

can i get an answer soon? id like to start my nitrgogen cycle as soon as possible.

 

[HN1]

Have you used the search feature on this site yet? Or a search engine?

The answer is that it depends. Research the make / model / composition of your specific "rubbermaid" container. Apologies if it is a rubbermaid brand name, but that is used as a generic term a lot. If it is, it should be much easier for you to research.

 

[mr.waffles1842]

Thanks! oh, by the way, when i said livebearer tank, i meant a fry tank. sorry, just a slip of the ummmmm.... keyboard....

 

[mr.waffles1842]

Rubbermaid Latching Clear Storage Tote - Clear/ Green (30 Qt)

Thats the one i bought. do you know if its safe? ill post a pic next.

 

[mr.waffles1842]

This is is! its fairly sturdy, but i still want to know if it can be considered "safe"

 

[mr.waffles1842]

what i want to add to it is a filter, heater, a hiding place, and maybe some gravel?

 

[Evaunitone]

I would worry about chemicals leeching out of the plastic maybe (?) especially with possible interactions with medications or salts you may put in the water.

 

[tulip55555]

I think the standard is whether or not it is food safe. There are some initials stamped in the bottom of the container. I can't remember what the food safe indication is....F.S.?.?. Maybe just google the name of the container and add food safe and see what you get.

 

[Tigroscr]

IME I think it would be ok maybe try cleaning it out first with distilled white vinegar and then rinsing it real well.
I fill 2 of these 40 gallon plastic totes weekly with water for all my pwc on all my tanks and have never had any problems. But then again I just use these for pwc and not to actually store fish in, so not real sure.

 

[Tigroscr]

But then again I don't think any chemicals would leak out or anything from the plastic as long as it's not kept in extreme temperatures. For example I keep mine in the basement so it stays about 75 degrees.

 

[jetajockey]

If it's a QT I wouldn't bother putting anything in it till you need to QT something.

I have several 20g utility tubs with fish in them outside, been there for months and all doing fine. I've not had any issues with any plastic tubs/tanks leaching anything that I know of, but who knows.

 

[BlackMagic]

I use them all the time, winter, summer,spring,fall...
for fish/fry/shrimp/snails... nothing wrong with them...
i got 10 bins outside with live plants and fish... all happy...

 

[mr.waffles1842]

I looked it up, seems safe. if anyone knows any safe disease treatments, please PM me. All i know is salt and one based on copper. the copper one? killed my fish within the hour. Thanks!

 

[mr.waffles1842]

If it's a QT I wouldn't bother putting anything in it till you need to QT something.

I have several 20g utility tubs with fish in them outside, been there for months and all doing fine. I've not had any issues with any plastic tubs/tanks leaching anything that I know of, but who knows.

That sounds great! however, what about the nitrogen cycle? if i add fish/ plants in a school of 6, wont i be killing them? or do you mean if i add only 1-2 fish at a time?