Is it okay to keep an aquatic turtle in a large plastic storage container?
I am in the process of getting my aquatic turtle a new tank because he has outgrown his current one. It might be a couple of months before I can get one, so is it okay to house him in a large plastic container until then. I am mostly concerned with toxins that the container might release into his water. If the container does not work, what makes a good temporatry home?
Comments
I have heard of people doing that with no negative results. Just as long as you are filtering the water and doing partial changes frequently it should be fine as a temporary set up.
As far as toxins go, you can generally find a recycling number on the container, which will tell you what kind of plastic it is, then you can look on the internet at the toxin and carcinogen (though turtles are less prone to cancer than people) risks of that specific plastic.
Plastic totes make good tanks for turtles. As far as toxins go, I would suggest washing the inside of the container thoroughly a few times. The problems come from the chemicals used to coat the molds and they wash out eventually. If you can get an uncolored tote, you stand a better chance of avoiding recycled crud. Also avoid the totes on wheels. If you have the space, children’s wading pools are great.
i have seen this done… safest bet is a livestock tank from tractor trailer supply or rubbermaid im assuming your turtle is over 12 inches…
if not you can buy any rubbermaid product from target or wallmart remmber rubber mades are used to hold foods,equipment, and cloths there arnt any harmful chemicals. but to be in the safe side give it a rinse with some clorinated water then go about treating your water..