home made decor for my new tank?

[silvershark]

a work mate has just informed me that he'll be getting his new 6foot tank in about 4 weeks, so 5 weeks from now he's gonna sell me his 3 foot tank for £40. i'll be spending some considerable amount of time setting this up as i want it to be perfect, ie planting it out and doing the fishess cycle, i also gotta think about my filtration as it is a very deep(tall) tank and dont fancy the UGF that he's leaving in there. any advice on this will be appriciated as i dont have that much experience with various products or for that matter types. i might be wrong in removing the undergravel filter etc...

also would it be safe if i were to scrub and soak half of a coconut shell and used this as interior decor as a cave?

 

[Paul_MTS]

If your not on a too tight budget pay out about £70 for the Ehiem Classic external filter. which one you go for depends on the tank dimensions and volume though.

you are right to get rid of the UGF they are quite simple crap compared to whats availible now.

 

[OohFeeshy]

BTW, if you boiled an unglazed terracotta pot could you use that as a cave? I'm having trouble finding slate, and the flowerpots are v. cheap..

 

[keane]

I'm having trouble finding slate, and the flowerpots are v. cheap..

B & Q do slate.

Terracotta pots are great!

I have two small pots and a larger "jug" in my community tank. My fish seem to feel very "at home" with them.

steve 8)

 

[Paul_MTS]

slate can be found at most places, more expensive at LFS but if you go to somewhere like a garden centre they will have it out back, Homebase also have it.

there is no need to boil brand pet pots, maybe a rinse to get dust off but that it.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Well mebbe, but I'm also too lazy... and when it comes to buying a load of slate and aquarium sealent, I'd rather buy 4-5 29p plant pots

 

[Fish Buddy]

You could use a coconut shell -make sure you get out all the meat though. I personally would not keep the ugf and would go with a hagen aqua clear 300 or so as a filter.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Or Fluval. Anything really. Its got to be better than a UGF.

 

[Bungy]

BTW, if you boiled an unglazed terracotta pot could you use that as a cave? I'm having trouble finding slate, and the flowerpots are v. cheap..

Matey - take a trip to Keydell nurserys in Horndean, visit the building section at the very back and you will find to your delight loads of slate, bagged pieces in defferent colours, Blue, Green, Purple and normal greyish stuff - bags are £3.40 each and you get loads of it. In addition they also have loads of different rocks should you be interested.

I bought the slate chips, took them home to Havant, gave them a good wash and boiled for 10 mins then using aquatic glue I simply pieced them together.

Hope this helps.