Rubbermaid Containers?

[felix453]

I was thinking earlier today about how I wish I money for aquariums. I then wondered why more people don't use Large rubbermaid containes with lids for aquariums. On Oct. 1 My school's new research lab is being finished and I've been allowed to start up a few projects but of course, money is limited. So I guess My question is, are rubbermaid containers suitable for the general care and breeding of newts and salamanders. They'd all contain plants so filtration probably wouldn't be so bad. Just wanted to get your opinions!



P.S. I realize that as far as looking good it doesn't rank high but as far as other reasons are considered, I just wanted to hear your opinions, Thanks!

 

[Kaysie]

Rubbermaids are fantastic. Most people here are going for aesthetic value, and prefer to have nicely decorated tanks to look at. But anyone who has either been on a budget or raised a ton of salamanders will tell you that rubbermaids are the way to go.

The biggest concern is with terrestrial or semi-aquatic animals, as they can usually climb the sides well. You have to maximize ventilation while minimizing chance of escape. Most people cut a hole in the lid and install mesh.

I wash mine with hot water, and then soak them in hot water a couple of times to remove any detritus or contaminants.

Hard plastics contain less chemical residue than soft plastics. But they're more likely to give under pressure.

 

[felix453]

That's the word I was looking for, aesthetic. In no definition of the word would these look nice but could definitely help someone on a fourteen years old budget! As you said, I figured I'd punch some 1/2 inch holes on the top and put some sort of a screen covering on top. My question is if you could do a half land half water setup or would the silicone not stick? Also, in you almighty opinion, would you go for hard or soft plastic? Once again, thanks for the help!

 

[Jennewt]

Here are some of mine. If the animals climb, you do need to consider security. Also, the use of plastics (which do leach trace amounts of some chemicals into the water) is not without controversy. More recently I have obtained some old (ugly) glass aquariums, so I no longer actually use these.

 

[Wildebeestking]

I use rubbermaids during the terrestrial stage of my efts. Much cheaper than buying a whole new auarium for something that is hardly used. Plus they come in all shapes, sizes, depths, lengths which allows you to accommodate for any species. Just a layer of soil, moss, leaf litter, and plants works well to mimic terrestrial newts habitats while you can semi-culture worms and isopods at the same time.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Just to add to the Queen of All Things Salamandery's posts-

I swear by them. I use Sterilite and Rubbermaid tubs in all sizes for everything from critter habitats to live food bulk culturing, to well, storage.

Of course, in my critter room aesthetics aren't much of an issue.

 

[felix453]

Thanks guys, I'll keep you updated as the process at school continues!