What About Plastic?

[WhiteScarfSyndrome]

How safe is plastic? I'm planning on putting my two betta's in large plastic containers. They were originally used to carry a large quantity of wrapped biscotti. I'll wash it thoroughly and let the new water sit overnight and I'll use a treatment tab to get rid of chlorine/impurities, etc. Also I'll be filtering the water through a PUR filter before putting in the treatment tab and letting it sit. I don't have an aging tab, just one that treats the water for chlorine I think. I'm hoping that by filtering the water and letting it sit overnight that will make the water a little better for the fish.

I just know that many plastics taint water a little bit. You can taste it. I even know someone who is allergic to it and can only drink from glass containers. I just got two fish, each in a smallish square glass container, with two live lucky bamboo shoots in each container. They seem happy enough and each is building a bubble nest. Though none have the wide beautiful fins like some of the photos I've seen. Maybe it's because they really don't get a chance to move around all that much? A sympton of a slightly cramped space? One likes to sit and look straightup a lot, and I can see he's got nice wide tail. I'll be posting a photo or two later on today.

Not sure how large the container is, but it's slightly oval shaped, about a foot high and 8 inches wide. Over a gallon for sure. In any case, I know they'll be happier in larger containers, I just don't want plastic chemicals seeping into their water.

Thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[Ethos]

It sounds OK.
But don't use the pur water filter. It takes out EVERYTHING, even the good stuff.
I'd just use dechloinator, and that should be aduquate.

 

[WhiteScarfSyndrome]

It sounds OK.
But don't use the pur water filter. It takes out EVERYTHING, even the good stuff.
I'd just use dechloinator, and that should be aduquate.

Great, thanks! First water change is due this weekend, I'll just use dechlorinated tap water.

One likes to float or rest on the bottom, but at a near vertical pitch. What does this mean? Is his bladder messed up? His bubble nest has deteriorated. Maybe he's looking up at it what's left of it. He will swim ok, then when he stops he just tilts. OK nevermind, he's sitting normal on the bottom...hmm I dunno...

My other one started his nest a few days after the first, and his nest is even bigger than the first one.

I am a little concerned about his fin though. I'm pretty sure it was like this when we got him nearly a week ago.

Have a look here: http/img62.imageshack.us/img62/4206/fin8gf.jpg

He's more colorful than this, this was just a quick snapshop to document the fin. His overall color looks great.

 

[winddancer70]

I've used plastic contianers before. It works just fine.. We even use them for backup turtle setups.