Can you put a goldfish in a plastic storage box?

Answer 1

They say goldfish are very hardy fish,but truly they are just a tad bit less sensitive to bad water and conditions than most fish.Goldfish such as comets,shubunkins,( and koi) can live in ponds and fancy goldfish can live in aquariums.Personally I wouldn't recomend putting a goldfish in a plastic storage box because it will be harder for you to veiw,enjoy, and monitor your goldfish.As I've mentioned before goldfish may be hardy but they are still sensitive to bad water conditions which may be caused by improper housing/size .You may also find it harder to find equipment for a storage box that would keep the water inside clean and the fish healthy(such as filters,hoods,lights,aerators,etc.)You may also have trouble figuring out: how many gallons/litres of water the box holds; adding wrong amounts of water conditioner and other essential chemicals needed to keep the water clean enough for the goldfish.However if you do not have an aquarium or pond for your goldfish and only have a plastic storage box at hand at the time it may be suitable as a temporary home for your goldfish.You will need to know how many gallons/litres of water it holds and you will also have to clean it out(even if it is brand new--in fact only use a brand new box!).DO NOT USE CLEANING CHEMICALS INSIDE THE BOX!(unless you want to kill your fish) instead wash the boxes outside with a cleaning solution and wash the boxes inside with warm water and a clean rag.To make the fish feel secure you will need to use gravel inside the box(try to buy gravel that is a dark color.Wash the gravel in a separate bowl/bin until it rinses clear(make sure its a nontoxic aquarium safe gravel).Pour the washed gravel into the storage bin.Wash any decorations (wood,fake/real plants,rocks,"classic"Scuba diver,etc.) in hot water then place them in the box(hold off on the plants).Fill the box halfway with dechorinated water (or use tap but make sure to ADD DECHORINATER!)Place any plants that you wish to add in at this point then fill the rest of the box full of water leaving about two inches at the surface.Goldfish need a filter if they are to survive so buy an adequate sized filter for the amount of water in the box.Fancy goldfish need an aerator so I advise you purchase one also.Let the filter run for a good 24hours(preferably 3 days) until you add your fish.You'll need a hood for your aquarium to keep the water inside. In the chance that you can't find one to fit the box(which is highly likely) try using plastic wrap with airholes poked in.Do water changes often for the filter won't be able to remove a large ammount of the toxic chemicals(ammonia,nitrogen,and nitrate) for several weeks.

I don't recomend putting any fish in a plastic storage bin but if you are truly desperate it is possible, if only temporary.