20L reptile tank turned into fish tank?

bassbonediva

bassbonediva

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#1
Oct 15, 2009
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#1
Would it be possible to convert a 20L reptile tank (complete with screen lid) into a fish tank? The guy I got the 40L from has a 20L he's willing to give me as well, but it's a definite reptile tank. He seems to think it'd hold water and turn into a fish tank with no problems. If it would, that would solve A LOT of problems for me right now (at least temporarily). I'm running out of places to put everyone with tearing down the 46gal to make way for the 40L. If I could make this 20L work, I could put the male guppies and the platies in it (as well as the USD cat and the otos), then use my two dividers on the two 10gals and make one into a dual tank for two male bettas and the other into a dual tank for one male betta in one side and three female bettas in the other side (oh, and the deformed female guppy...can't forget her!). I've got the gravel and filter situation figured out for both tanks, I just need opinions on whether the reptile tank idea will "hold water," so to speak. It would also be great for after the 40L is up and running because I was wanting to take a 20L and turn it into a betta fraternity (with four 5gal compartments) anyway. THANKS!
 

MalcolmV8

MalcolmV8

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#3
May 31, 2003
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I would assume if it is specifically sold as a reptile tank by a retailer then there's something different about it and you should find out before filing with water. However if it's just a regular fish tank been called a reptile tank by an individual then I don't know, you need to ask the guy selling it for more details.
 

MalcolmV8

MalcolmV8

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#5
May 31, 2003
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He'll take it back after the seams split apart under the weight of water and the tanks bursts open all over your house?
I'd still find out why it is sold from a retailer specifically as a reptile tank. It may have thinner glass, less silicon etc. Cheaper tank. It may hold water for a few days, weeks, even months and then suddenly burst split or break down in some other fashion.
 

xarumitzu

xarumitzu

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#7
Jun 27, 2009
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#7
bassbonediva said:
Would it be possible to convert a 20L reptile tank (complete with screen lid) into a fish tank? The guy I got the 40L from has a 20L he's willing to give me as well, but it's a definite reptile tank. He seems to think it'd hold water and turn into a fish tank with no problems. If it would, that would solve A LOT of problems for me right now (at least temporarily). I'm running out of places to put everyone with tearing down the 46gal to make way for the 40L. If I could make this 20L work, I could put the male guppies and the platies in it (as well as the USD cat and the otos), then use my two dividers on the two 10gals and make one into a dual tank for two male bettas and the other into a dual tank for one male betta in one side and three female bettas in the other side (oh, and the deformed female guppy...can't forget her!). I've got the gravel and filter situation figured out for both tanks, I just need opinions on whether the reptile tank idea will "hold water," so to speak. It would also be great for after the 40L is up and running because I was wanting to take a 20L and turn it into a betta fraternity (with four 5gal compartments) anyway. THANKS!
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20L might be okay to use as a temporary fish tank. I do know that reptile tanks are designed with thinner glass and weaker seams. It might not be strong enough to handle the pressure the water would exert on the glass. However, at the same time, 20L is only about 5.3 gallons or so. It may be okay to do temporarily, I wouldn't advise using it as a permanent tank though.
 

MalcolmV8

MalcolmV8

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#9
May 31, 2003
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I was confused too. Original poster said 20L which seems like 20 liters but I guess he meant 20 gallon long. Later in his post he says

I was wanting to take a 20L and turn it into a betta fraternity (with four 5gal compartments)
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which gives away its a 20 gallon tank and not a 20 liter.
 

xarumitzu

xarumitzu

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#10
Jun 27, 2009
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#10
Newman said:
This is a 20 GALLON LONG tank.
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Oops, my mistake. I guess I should read the posts more thoroughly. I just assumed 20L meant "20 liters." Thanks for the clarification.

Anything over a 10G I'd be afraid the pressure would be too great on the glass. If it's a 20G long I'd have to amend my earlier statement and say I wouldn't do it.
 

bassbonediva

bassbonediva

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#13
Oct 15, 2009
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Yeah, I'm not dumb enough to fill it with water in my house without knowing if it'll hold water in the first place, guys! Yeesh! lol I'd put it out on the porch and let it sit with water in it for a couple of days.

Also, sorry about the 20L thing. Shorthand works in my brain like that and I just figured people woud know that's what I meant.
 

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bassbonediva

bassbonediva

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#15
Oct 15, 2009
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#15
Well, :p. lol I'll keep that in mind in the future.

As much as I want to do that tank (mainly for the room it would provide for the guppies and platies during the tank switch), I probably won't end up doing it. I might get another 10gal from him just to make sure I have enough space for everyone though (and to get my male bettas that are in the little 1gals some more space...they are not at all thrilled with me right now).

Thanks, guys.
 

xarumitzu

xarumitzu

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#16
Jun 27, 2009
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#16
bassbonediva said:
Yeah, I'm not dumb enough to fill it with water in my house without knowing if it'll hold water in the first place, guys! Yeesh! lol I'd put it out on the porch and let it sit with water in it for a couple of days.

Also, sorry about the 20L thing. Shorthand works in my brain like that and I just figured people woud know that's what I meant.
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No apologies needed. I do the same thing all the time and get confused when people don't get it lol.
 

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