Coconut Caves

[Sausage]

Ive just made my first coconut cave for my cockatoo cichlids, do i need to boil it a few times before i place in the tank? Also will it leak tannins and discoulor the water?

 

[kizno1]

Yes they need yo be boiled first. I think they do release some tannins into the water but not as much as wood and it should stop after a while.

 

[random]

yes its a good idea to boil it first then leave it in water outside for couple days before putting in the aquarium. This is what i have done, as i have made one for myself few weeks back and it turns out that my fishes enjoys hiding away in the coconut cave.

 

[stiddy]

yes its a good idea to boil it first then leave it in water outside for couple days before putting in the aquarium. This is what i have done, as i have made one for myself few weeks back and it turns out that my fishes enjoys hiding away in the coconut cave.

I have one with java moss on top of it, the fish love it. Ive had no probs with it leaking colouration.

 

[Sausage]

I cant seem to get the thing to stay down, it just floats straight to the surface. Any clues on how to keep it achored to the surface?

 

[Littlemonkey]

Have you turned it upside down in the water to release an air bubbles trapped inside, it should then stay down.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Has anyone got any pics of their tanks with coconut caves in them? I'm interested what they look like!

 

[PDSimon]

Mine covered in java moss

 

[stuuk1]

Have a look at my tank (in my signature) I have a plain one which you will see but if you look at the whole tank, look to the far left and you will see another which is green... I had two giant moss balls, so I split one and covered the coconut in it, looks amazing! I keep it attached by wrapping some fishing line around it.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Thanks Stuuk

Simon, I'd be lying if I said I could see it!

 

[PDSimon]

It's right in the centre of the picture! My kuhlis and rams like caves

 

[Twinklecaz]

I think my Red Platy needs a cave, the other 2 are bulling him I think


There'a hiding places behind the bog wood and plants ect but I think he needs a proper one.

 

[Sausage]

Have you turned it upside down in the water to release an air bubbles trapped inside, it should then stay down.

What a plum I am, this is exactly all I needed to do It's now fully rooted to the substrate and looking very good, My cockatoo's are already checking it out