Can you keep fish in a plastic container, very short term

[CCXGT]

Were 90% sure our tank has a leak, we've rang our lfs's and they refuse to take the fish in.

An idea we've had is to just empty the tank straight into a plastic container (all substrate, decorations, filter, heater) for a week or two and get the tank sorted out.

Will they be good enough in there?

I am very aware that quite a few will probably die..

 

[elephantnose]

If you only use the water from the old tank and there is proper filtration they should be fine. As long as the container is large and cleaned properly. (No soap)

 

[Luananeko]

Make sure the plastic container is food-grade. If it's not it will leech toxins into the water.

Food-grade plastic containers have commonly been used as fry grow-out tanks, so you'll be fine with those.

 

[CCXGT]

Well, this is what we've managed..


The tank, empty dry and ready to be re-sealed.


The decor and substrate, kept warm and wet.


The ingenious plastic box and 2/3 of a filter.

I even managed to spot fry inside the tank, about 15 of them.
No idea what they are but they've all been transferred.

Hopefully this'll be done and dusted by Thursday.