Really Cheap Aquarium
- Thread starter Kiwilover
- Start date
i would say maybe find a brick or slate to attach it to. i would be a little weary about the heater in a plastic tub so take precaution.
The sand would certainly provide enough insulation... but you'd want to be certain it won't work it's way through the sand and into contact with the bottom... if he melted a hole in the BOTTOM of the tub, he'll lose every ounce of water in a matter of just a few minutes! (dead fish) An accidental hole higher up on the side would at least leave some water for the fish to survive in while he mops the floor.
I have done this for emergency situations.
Filter hang on the side of the rubber maid tub. For the heater attach it to the side with suction cups, as long as there is a clean surface it will not come off.
Do not fill the tub past the 25 gallon mark or it will start to bow out. I have never had one break but I would never use it as a permanent solution.
For lighting mount it to something other than the tub it will not support the weight.
Your best bet is to get a used tank that is in decent condition if you are going to keep it long term.
Filter hang on the side of the rubber maid tub. For the heater attach it to the side with suction cups, as long as there is a clean surface it will not come off.
Do not fill the tub past the 25 gallon mark or it will start to bow out. I have never had one break but I would never use it as a permanent solution.
For lighting mount it to something other than the tub it will not support the weight.
Your best bet is to get a used tank that is in decent condition if you are going to keep it long term.
. . .
Playsand for substrate. like 3 bucks for a 50lb bag at lowes which is more than enough for that tank so he would have some leftover.
I would also reccommend quilt batting for filter media. I bought some from walmart and its only 9 buck and i got about 87" by 91". just make your own filter cartridges and you can add as much media as you want. . .
I buy large bags of Poly-fil for less than $5.00 a bag and each bag lasts me several months. Yesterday I bought 4 bags of "Buffalo Snow" for $1.79 per 20oz bag. This will last me almost a year. I quit buying manufacturer cartridges 3 years ago.
Make sure you do not get the flame retardant version.
there is no way an aquarium heater will melt the rubbermaid plastic container especially if only a 30 gallon. Other than the look, there is nothing wrong with keeping fish in a rubbermaid box. I have done it for many months in the past as a q tank / temp. Just make sure you dont close the cover completely on top, put an aquaclear hob and a heater.
