I have a caclio fantail in a 5 gallon (i know too small but hes still tiny tiny and water changes at least 3 times week at least 50%) and I am looking for a 20 gallon for him funds are really tight right now do to job changes if I can get one of those storage containers that are plastic I have an extra 30 gallon one around the house could I use that til I can get a bigger tank and how would I do a filter. I dont think the filters I have will work. I have the following extra intank wishper 10-30i which only does like 125 gallons and a penguin 330 hob filter which does 300 i think. what type of filter would work would a cansister one?

I think your 300 gph hob filter would work on the storage container - my aquaclear hob filter worked fine on a plastic rubbermaid so I think that would work I am pretty sure any filter that would work in a tank will also work in the rubbermaid container if that is what you are asking .

The storage container is definitely a much better home for him. You could even keep him in there always if you couldnt come up with the cash for a bigger tank. I know people use HOB filters on the Rubbermaid tanks, like Aquaclears.

well the storage idea would have to be short term. I have a 2 year old and no wear to put it out of her reach really. With using those is there a lot of water splash and how would I use a light for it?

Ah, didnt realize you had a young child. Short term is fine, anything is better than the 5 gallon he is in now.
As far as lighting, I havent a clue. Hopefully someone else offers advice for you soon.

The Penguin would provide enough filtration on a 20g, so I think you're good there. Have you checked Craigslist or Freecycle for a tank?

Lisa

I think as far as lighting you might be out of luck besides putting the container in a bright area of your home so that you can see down to see the fish. Any HOB filter should work, and from the ones you described if you use them both you have filtration power for 42.5 gallons of goldfish tank, so you will be in good shape.

I hope you get the tank of your dreams! Just be patient, all good things take time.

I run the 350s and 400s on tubs fairly often. It does not splash much - and not out of the tub. Most tubs have a little "weep hole" on the upper lip, limiting how fully you can make them. This forces the water level to be lower in respect to the filter than you would probably run it in a tank.

Some tubs may need extra reinforcement around them - bungee cords are what others have used here.

What about on the porch or outside somewhere? It is summer in NY and MN, so you do not have to worry about the weather. The natural sunlight will bring out the brilliant colors in your fish! IT is not hard to fashion a hardware cloth lid to fit a tub - for protection from"lightweight" predators outdoors and less than determined children....

Yea I have checked craigslist they seem to want alot for 20s and 30s. I bought my 55 from there with tank lights filters stand for 115.00 and Most of the time they want 100 for 30s in my area.

and as far as placing out side I dont really have a spot I live in an apartment we do have a small patio but im in texas and its already getting up to 95 wouldnt that be too hot if i do put it outside would i have to set it up like a small pond with real plants?

i couldnt find a way to edit the last post
my husband said we could put it on the patio but hes concerened with the rain normally it doesnt rain this much but for the past 2 1/2 months it seems its rained every day or every other day. would hob filters be ok if it rains with it be 30 gallons a little less could I add a black moor with my caclio fantail as long as i have good filtation?

ok well the 30 gallon is out of the idea right now its being used as my daughters toy box and all of whats inside wont fit in her other toy box nor will it fit in my 18 gallon one. so I have put the 18 gallon out side in shaded area in my patio to let sit for a few days to make sure the temp is ok and see if it gets a little sun. If the temp stays ok and it looks like rain and if where I have it is ok there I will leave it out side. I have found fake lily pads that I will use its fish safe. and add the gravel from his tank alreadys and few hiddy rocks

Would I just use my regular water stuff prime and what I normally use on the tanks or do I still need to get pond stuff? And the hob filters would they be ok outside I cant afford to buy anything right now as far as filters go.

If buy chance the temp is not ok and it seems not to hold up with the rain. I guess I can put it in my bedroom by the window. Halie (my daughter is not allowed in there unless I am in there and its baby proof door handle.) Dont know if my husband would go for that but he sleeps in the living room with all the tanks anyway.

I will probley put the pengiun 330 on it so i know it has enough filtration.