Are garbage cans safe for short term storage of tank water?

Question

I want to set up what could be called I guess a "water ager" of sorts.

Dechlorinating the tap water with sodium thiosulfate and then running it through a trickle (bio)filter to take the ammonia/nitrite out before adding it to the tank.

A garbage can would be idea for this, but I'm concerned about leaching since they weren't designed for this.

Any recommendations?

(I looked into food grade plastics and found a 50 gallon food grade drum....but of course it costs $100 not including shipping)

So garbage can then? Or no and why not?

Much thanks! :)

Answer 1

you can easily get a used 55 gallon tank off craigslist.org for a very small amount of money - much less than you'd pay for a food-grade trash can. (these are the second-most popular size of tank next to the 10 gallon tank, and because they're so big, they're very difficult to get rid of. Plus, if you are into aquascaping, they're a very unpopular choice of tank... that's why they're cheap)

The reason you don't want to use just any old trash can is because the plastic leaks caustic chemicals into the water, which will make your fish sick eventually.

Answer 2

Do you have a problem with your water source containing ammonia and nitrite? Regular city tap water should contain 0 ammonia and nitrite. If it doesn't, then your drinking water is contaminated, and that's a problem.

Answer 3

I have used a big brand new plastic trash can you can buy from walmart for under 20 dollars, or the big rubbermaid tubs,  they are made of the same plastic that you store food in, so they are safe for sure.

Answer 4

yes a garbage can should be fine. I have heard of people using big rubbermaid cans to mix aquarium saltwater in. It should be fine, just make sure it is a new one that has never had anything in it, and be sure to rinse it out really really good before you use it to get any residue from manufacturing out of it.  Could probably even scrub it with some vinegar, and then rinse it really well before using.

just go to walmart and buy a regular large trash can. if it has been treated with something to make it smell good for whatever reason-it should state that on the label.

Answer 5

i used a 50 gal trash can for my fish when i moved 10 hours.... i put the tank water in it and then threw in my fish, put hte lid on, loaded it up, and they were jsut fine.... everyone of them lived.... so i dont see a problem with it.

Answer 6

Some plastics are treated with "deodorants" and/or fungicides to keep them nice. Set up your system and after running it for a couple of weeks add some "test fish" and see if anybody floats. Use a specie that's not noted for hardiness. It's not the most humane method, but it's accurate.