How to Use a Critter Cage as an Aquarium

Critter Cages, available from Critter-Cages.com, can make excellent starter or temporary aquariums. Critter Cages are plastic and box-like in design and generally have a vented plastic snap-on top. They are best used for small fish such as goldfish or betas. It is best to place only one fish in your Critter Cage due to its smaller size.

Things You'll Need

  • Critter Cage
  • Aquarium brush
  • 1/2 gallon tap water
  • Pet fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean out your critter cage with soap and water. Dish soap is acceptable as long as all of the soap is rinsed out and no suds are left behind.

    • 2

      Fill you Critter Cage with tap water to about 2 inches from the top. Watch for leaks or cracks that may appear. If they do, replace the Critter Cage.

    • 3

      Let the water sit overnight and assume room temperature.

    • 4

      Place plastic bag with fish in Critter Cage allowing it to float on surface. Most stores will send your fish home with you in a clear plastic bag.

    • 5

      Let bag float on surface water for one hour. Floating the bag on the surface water will allow the bag in the water to slowly assume the same temperature as the water in the Critter Cage.

    • 6

      Open bag and pour fish and water into Critter Cage.

    • 7

      Feed your new fish with fish food. Betas have specific "beta food" while goldfish and other small fish can eat generic fish food.

    • 8

      Replace Critter Cage lid.

    • 9

      Replace water every week and scrub out any algae that forms with an aquarium brush.