Caves

[trevo878]

I've been looking for a cave structure for my twenty gallon a few weeks now. I have had absoloutely no luck. I have gone to three LFS's with no luck. Is it that hard to find a cave from a LFS or did most of you find yours easily? Also, any suggestions for LFS's with caves in Canada would be great.

Thanks, Trevo

 

[nc_nutcase]

I got a great suggestion from a member here (thanks punkgirl) about caves...

I took small terra cotta pots (regular orange flower pots) either chipped a hole in the top rim or in the side of the pot. Gage the pot and the hole to the size of your fish. If you went with the hole in the lip you then turn it upside down.

Here's the fun part. I then spread out a thin layer of silicone (I used GE II 100% silicone Kitchen and Bath) all around the outside of pot and glued black sand to the outside (I have black sand substrate). You could do this to match your current substrate or add a different look to your aquarium (or leave them orange of course).

There are many other options such as buying rocks/slate and stacking them to make your own. If your housing large fish it's worth considering gluing rocks together to prevent shifting.

 

[ccg]

nc_nutcase,

When I get some extra time maybe i'll give that a try, the pot idea that is.

About the glueing of rocks together, can I just use silicone? (i use the same stuff you do, and will this stick some slate together?)

Thanks,

 

[nc_nutcase]

I know for sure GE Silicone II Kitchen and Bath is safe to use. I'm sure there are other brands that are as well, but I also know there are some that aren't. I can only speak for the one I've used.

Also allow extra curing time. When using silicone to glue rocks together (and often in aquarium projects) you tend to use a larger bead (or clump) than they are talking about in the dry times listed on the canister. I siliconed inserts to create a terrarium and even with 48 hours drying time it poisoned the water.

Also... be creative... make something you and your fish will enjoy! Good luck!!

 

[pnyklr3]

Thank you Thank you *takes a bow* Glad to see you sharing info Nutcase!

I used regular aquarium sealant on my pots. It was the easiest for me to find. You could roll the pots in sand or in pea gravel, but the sand will stick much better.....however, I have found that you will need about 3 coats of silicone and sand for good coverage....and because it starts to come off as the water and fish brush by.