Getting your pet fish in an environment they would be happy with is very important to their growth and health. You need to pick a tank setup that is similar to their natural habitat and with the right amount of sunlight and temperature. But, what if a fish tank is out of sight or a bit too expensive, and you’re left with an old lizard tank you already own?
You may be wondering. Can a lizard tank be used as a fish tank? Yes, it can. By following certain requirements and strict measures, you can use a lizard tank to create the perfect breeding environment for your fish. However, the major determining factors for this are the size, type, and behavior of the fish.
In this article, I will show you how to use a lizard tank as a fish tank, highlighting the steps to take and the things you need to consider to create the perfect environment for your fish. Dive in.
Things to Consider When Using a Lizard Tank for Fish
Turning a lizard tank into a fish tank can be tricky. To make it easy for you, compare with the criteria I have mentioned below:
Size of the Fish
The standard for creating a befitting environment for a fish is 1 gallon of water for an inch of fish. So if you are planning to put more than one fish into the tank, you want to get a lizard tank that corresponds with the size of the fish(es) and would be comfortable as it grows.
Thankfully, a 20-gallon tank would work well for an average lizard. This means that if you plan to use an average lizard tank for your fish, you should be looking at a maximum of two fish per tank. In addition to the size of the fish, decide what type of fish you want in the tank.
So, before turning a lizard tank into a fish tank, you should compare it with the standard tank size sold for reptiles first and with the size of your fish to know if it’s the best fit.
Strength And Thickness of The Glass
Ideally, the glasses in an aquarium are built with a rigid strength that is strong enough to withstand the pressure from the water in the tank. So I’d recommend that you check the strength of the glass by doing a water test or have an expert confirm its strength for you.
Leak Proof/Waterproof
A fish tank should be waterproof and properly sealed at its edges using silicon. For this, you’ll have to do a leak test on the lizard tank. Fill it up with water and for more precision, you can add dye or food coloring to the water in the tank but be careful with this so it doesn’t permanently stain the glass.
Leave this setup for at least 24 hours. By the next day, run your fingers through the rims and edges of the tank to check for leaks.
Filter System
Finally, fish tanks get messy most times because fishes release waste directly into the water. Look out for a good filter system. Even if you get to install one on the tank, how easy would that be?
This is a strong parameter and one of the things you should consider before using a lizard tank as a fish tank.
Turning a Lizard Tank into a Fish Tank
Now that you know what to consider when using a lizard tank as a fish tank. Here are the steps you should take to convert a lizard tank into a fish tank:
Clean the Tank
Lizards, like every other reptile, excrete uric acid and other ammonia-containing products that are harmful to fish. So, while you clean, ensure that you get all that ammonia out.
For cleaning agents, you can use vinegar or baking soda. But in my experience, bleaching does a very good job of taking out the dirt and harmful compounds in the tank. Just mix water and bleach in a 50:50 ratio and spray on the glass tank while you scrub.
For deeper cleaning, measure out some bleach and in a lizard tank filled with water, pour the bleach and let it sit for two hours. Next, drain the tank using a water siphon and rinse thoroughly, and then check for leaks.
Dechlorinate
If you find no leaks, you proceed with dechlorination. During dechlorination, you’re trying to get the excess chlorine and chloramine out of the tank because they are also very harmful to fish. Dechlorinators like Bio max dechlorination tablets would do a great job.
Nitrogen Cycling
During nitrogen cycling, you add denitrifying bacteria into the tank to take the residual nitrates in the tank. While it doesn’t sound logical to add bacteria to the tank you just cleaned. They are safe, and that’s why I think they are called “the good bacteria ”. All they do is deep clean the tank and make sure it’s safe enough for your pet fish.
Decorate and Maintain
Finally, decorate and enjoy your new fish tank. Always ensure to maintain the tank by cleaning it regularly so that your pet can enjoy a clean environment. Fishes are very sensitive creatures and need to be treated with care. With the right measures, you should have a happy fish.
Related Questions
What lizards can live with fish?
With the correct tank setup, lizards like geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles can thrive well with fish. You need to be careful about adding lizards and amphibians that feed on fish. For example, salamanders feed on fishes like goldfish and guppies so putting a salamander with your pet fish is a no-no.
Why does a fish tank need light?
Light provides energy and oxygen that helps the fishes live well. It’s also great for the growth of your fish, plants, corals, and bacteria which make the environment in the tank healthy for living.
Final Thoughts
Build your fish tank as comfortable as it should be. Your fish shouldn’t even feel the difference between the tank and their natural habitat, by doing so they thrive better and longer. Since it’s a lizard tank, ensure that it’s properly sealed and airtight. If it’s not, it might lead to terrible leaking, or worse, it can cause the tank to explode.
References
https://www.anapsid.org/resources/tanksize.html#:~:text=To%20calculate%20the%20capacity%20of,in.).
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/dechlorination