Alternative$
...since fishy business does not come cheap!
This page is currently under construction. Please use suggestions here with caution, as some information may be missing or need adjustment. Enjoy!
*Please note that the prices listed here are USD and are from US stores. Not all stores have the same prices outside of the US, and even within the US. Prices are subject to change, use pricing at your own risk!
*Please note that the prices listed here are USD and are from US stores. Not all stores have the same prices outside of the US, and even within the US. Prices are subject to change, use pricing at your own risk!
Cookie Jar Tank (2g)
Cookie jar tanks are a good alternative when you've got little cash to spend but you know you need at least 2g to have a good fishy home. These jars are found in Wal*Mart stores are inexpensive compared to most 2g drum bowls. Be warned- there is a 1g version! Take care in getting the larger.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
- Two gallons, perfection for a single betta
- Comes with its own lid
- Thick glass
- Attractive
- Easily found and cheap (~$10)
Cons:
- Tank is glass, so gets cold easier (need a strong heater)
- Lid seals tank, so must be propped open
- Distorts the fish when viewing slightly, due to shape of tank
- Very heavy, even when empty.
Brandy Glass Tank (2g)
As strange as this idea may seem, these are cute homes! These grossly over-sized brandy glasses hold about 2g of water and are not expensive. They are found in some Wal*Mart stores. Please note that the sale of these decorations is limited, and not all Wal*Mart stores carry them.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
- 2g at a price around $11
- Cool tank; makes a nice conversation piece
- Stem is thick and sturdy
Cons:
- Glass is not overly thick, be careful when cleaning and moving
- Will absolutely need some sort of DIY lid
- Due to shape, may distort viewing of fish
- Without a lid and being made of glass, will be very prone to heat loss!
Kritter Keepers (and similar, 2g+)
Kritter Keepers are usually thought of as temporary homes for rodents and lizards, but they can also make great homes for fish at a low price! These are sold at many locations. Please be warned that none say their gallonage and you must calculate it yourself. To do this, take the length x width x height of the tank and divide by 213.
Pros:
Cons:
PLEASE NOTE:
The 5 gallon version of this tank is NOT suitable for use with fish! It has been known to crack and break open because it is not meant to have so much water in it. Avoid the 5 gallon version at all costs!
Pros:
- Cute colors for the lids/ has a lid
- Fairly sturdy, thick-ish plastic
- Easily found in stores
- Ranges in price from $5-$10-$15
Cons:
- VERY easy to accidentally buy a too-small tank, please calculate the size!
- Lid is slatted all over, letting heat out easily
- Have been known to break with rough handling
- No easy way to make space in the lid for cords
PLEASE NOTE:
The 5 gallon version of this tank is NOT suitable for use with fish! It has been known to crack and break open because it is not meant to have so much water in it. Avoid the 5 gallon version at all costs!
Temporary Silk Plants
Decorations are usually what makes customizing a tank break the bank. After buying the tank, the fish, the heater, the food, all that, you might be a bit broke. Not to fear- you can use non-fish silk plants for temporary use until you can afford the ones you want!
Temporary is a big word here- these are not specifically made to be in your water, and will degrade over time. However, for the few weeks you may need them until you get paid, they will work just fine.
What to look for:
Now that you've found something (probably a silk flower) that you like, remove all pointy things and all metal. If it bends and keeps shape, it's got metal in it. If it can't be removed, don't use it!
Then, rinse the plants in lukewarm water. Not hot. Do not expose the plants to hot water, as they will leech color. Your tank's water is at most 85'F, which will not cause leeching in the same way. Once rinsed, they must soak for a few days, in case of initial color leeching. It's a bore, but must be done. If you notice that there is extreme leeching, toss the plant- it's not gonna work in your tank. Try again, and don't be discouraged!
**If, while you have these plants in your tanks, you notice your fish acting strange or becoming ill, remove them immediately. While unlikely, the plants may have leeched something toxic. Remove and change your water, and continue to monitor the fish.
Temporary is a big word here- these are not specifically made to be in your water, and will degrade over time. However, for the few weeks you may need them until you get paid, they will work just fine.
What to look for:
- No artificial smells/scents
- No fake "pollen/dust" or "fuzzy" stuff
- No metal inside, or at least can be removed
- Nothing sharp!
Now that you've found something (probably a silk flower) that you like, remove all pointy things and all metal. If it bends and keeps shape, it's got metal in it. If it can't be removed, don't use it!
Then, rinse the plants in lukewarm water. Not hot. Do not expose the plants to hot water, as they will leech color. Your tank's water is at most 85'F, which will not cause leeching in the same way. Once rinsed, they must soak for a few days, in case of initial color leeching. It's a bore, but must be done. If you notice that there is extreme leeching, toss the plant- it's not gonna work in your tank. Try again, and don't be discouraged!
**If, while you have these plants in your tanks, you notice your fish acting strange or becoming ill, remove them immediately. While unlikely, the plants may have leeched something toxic. Remove and change your water, and continue to monitor the fish.
