Buy A Cave (Uk)

[PrairieSunflower]

I would like to buy a little cave for my honey gourami but I can't find one ever in the LFS near me.  I am leary to order one online in case they are made of anything that isn't safe for my fish tank since I am aware that not all decorations are safe.
 
I was wondering if anyone has any links to a website or an ebay seller who sells little caves that are safe to use.  I have noticed some tank pictures with great little caves but can't find anything similar.  The seller needs to be in the UK.

 

[Ch4rlie]

I am not sure what type of cave you would like exactly, but would this link help?
 
http/www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=aquarium+caves&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=28739471168&hvpos=1o1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=414267350821989443&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1c59ikex8p_b

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I like the natural looking ones, lots of nice looking ones in that link.  But how do I know for sure that it will be made from something safe?

 

[Ch4rlie]

Not too sure how one would go about finding out if items online are safe to buy for aquariums, but have a feeling most are fairly safe as long as cleaned and scrubbed well with diluted bleach or salt.
 
Natural ones are probably made from stone, a lot of stones are safe in tanks, do the vinegar test perhaps.
 
Maybe have a look at this one site, from Maidenhead Aquatics, the first six are made from natural rock resin which am pretty certain is fine for aquariums and M.A have a decent reputation for tank equipment.....
(ignore the horrible pumpkin ones....urgh!)
 
http/fishkeeper.co.uk/site/productshowroom/all-aquarium-decor-ornaments

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Have you thought about using a coconut cave?
 
They're fairly cheap and easy to make, have a look HERE for some instructions on how to make one. 

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Hmmm you know maybe I could do that.  I shall have to see if the grocery store sells coconuts.  I have a £land tree saw that is surprisingly awesome so that should do.

 

[Meeresstille]

You could check out the items that aquatic stores sell and search for them online. If they're being sold at the aquatic stores means they are safe to use! 
 
Using slate pieces and rocks you could arrange them in your tank so they'd create caves also. I've build a little hill in the substrate that helps secure the rocks and slate. Placing plants strategically you can create a camouflaged look.  

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I think I will give the coconut cave a try.... not sure how I will manage to make the door since I don't have a drill but I should manage the rest easily enough.  Maybe I can saw a triangle door and sand it enough to not be a sharp entrance..... I will see how that works out and if I don't like it I will go with trying to buy something.

 

[Ch4rlie]

A thin blade hacksaw or hand bandsaw will help a lot in cutting out a curved shaped opening then using sandpaper to smooth opening edges out.

 

[DaveIOW]

Emry paper round a broom handle.

 

[MojoDex]

Just buy a cheap hole saw, They are only a few quid.

 

[ShinySideUp]

Have you thought about using a coconut cave?
 
They're fairly cheap and easy to make, have a look HERE for some instructions on how to make one. 

 
+1 I have done this, they are fine and safe to use.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I shall have to ask at B&Q since I don't know what a hole saw is.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Right... I have bought a coconut, sawed it to make a 3/4 side and 1/4 side, removed the white bit and.... now I'm stuck on how to make the door.... I shall leave that for tomorrow to see if I am any wiser... my tools consist of a hammer, screwdriver set, wrench, tree saw and some nails.  LOL

 

[Ch4rlie]

Here's one from eBay to give you an idea what holesaw is, basically is drill bits that attaches to your drill..........
 
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/181182422194?lpid=83&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=83&ff19=0