I haven't had any more problems with platys in the desert than anywhere else. I think pointed branches and rocks do as much harm as cactus spines. That said, I usually have just one platy to use with my hydration hose. Otherwise, I use 1-quart Gatorade bottles, and if I need more capacity, 2-liter soda bottles. They don't weigh any more than platys. AsABat