The problem with this plan (assuming it actually works) is if you are going to go through the expense/labor of adding a glass or acrylic window, and reinforcing with 2 x 4, why wouldn't you just spend a little bit more and use 3/4" plywood instead of cardboard? And a proper liner instead of a bag?
Now if you just want a big box to line with a bag to temporary keep fish, I can see the cost savings. I would not do it myself though. If you want something like that, why not just get a stock tank like this:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...oam-stock-tanks-100-gal-capacity?cm_vc=-10005
You might have to replace the plug in the bottom with a bulkhead if it leaks (sometimes they do), but $64 for a 100 gallon tank that you know will not spontaneously fail.
I can see where this would be handy in a pinch. But this is also why god made reusable buckets, totes, coolers, and $/gallon sales.
For a 40g, even at $1 per gallon, you could save $35. That is not to be laughed at
You have a strong point there. The cardboard is not really cheaper enough than wood, unless either the tank is small or you build the stand out of cardboard as well, but I think the time it would take would be prohibitive. For a sump, I think this really does beat a rubbermaid, and like you said, for a hospital tank. I intend to try to weld layers of seran wrap with a heat gun/hairdryer, as that would be much easier to use than shopping bags, stronger than a pond liner, and cheaper than both pond liner and epoxy.
To sum it up:
I think this makes sense for
1. Small tanks <50g
2. Sumps
3. Hospital/Quarantine tanks
4. Stands
Why don't you build one and show us?
It looks cheap and easy.
It looks cheap and easy.
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As soon as this gets wet...... we will all be entertained.
Sorry, I can't get behind this. There are too many better options. Unless you are keeping fish hobo style, I don't see the utility. And if you are keeping fish hobo style, well, I have lots of additional questions for you.
As for the bets, I'll raise the piece of gravel a snail shell.
Sorry, I can't get behind this. There are too many better options. Unless you are keeping fish hobo style, I don't see the utility. And if you are keeping fish hobo style, well, I have lots of additional questions for you.
As for the bets, I'll raise the piece of gravel a snail shell.
But let's assume a cardboard tank works, it holds water well (Big assumption)
Now you have a box that you really can't view your fish good.
I was moving fish around, I had about 12 rubbermaid containers, about 15 gallons each that I had fancy guppies in on the floor.. It was just not fun to keep small fish in that way. Now the people that make huge indoor ponds with large fish.. that is different.
It is worth the extra money to actually see the fish.. I see why people want to spend money, but why skimp on the tank when you are going to have to spend money on lights, filtration, fish, food, etc.. $35 really is not that much when you look at the lifetime of costs for a 40 gallon.. Plus, think of all the time that it would take to build that carboard tank, test for leaks, etc and then you end up with something that is risky and could break at any time (probably killing at least $35 in fish)..
IF money is tight, get a part time job for $8 an hour and work one evening.. Now you have your money to buy a glass tank.. It would take more than an evening to make a carboard tank and then you still don't know how long it will last (even it it initially holds water).
Are the bets for or against? If they are all against me, I think I will soon have a 40g with:
Stock: 4 common plecos, 1 neon tetra
Decor: 1 piece gravel, one snail shell
AND I will have $5 to spend!
Stock: 4 common plecos, 1 neon tetra
Decor: 1 piece gravel, one snail shell
AND I will have $5 to spend!
I am having finals now, (studying), but as soon as I can I will build it. AND I will collect the bets!
