Make Your Own Slate Caves

[JmeSomers]

I recently came across this website and found it very useful: http/www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=6

It describes how to make your own slate cave... instead of going to your LFS to dish out €50 on a rock for your fish. I found that the slate caves look amazing and you can build it up to hold substrate and plants! It is perfect for my tank... I have a 165 L cube tank so I have a lot of vertical space.

We are just recently building a house so we have a ton of natural slates laying around. I just wanted to share this with everyone in case they are looking for an alternative to buying decorations.

Enjoy!

 

[heartworm]

I recently came across this website and found it very useful: [URL="http/www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=6"]http/www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=6[/URL]

It describes how to make your own slate cave... instead of going to your LFS to dish out €50 on a rock for your fish. I found that the slate caves look amazing and you can build it up to hold substrate and plants! It is perfect for my tank... I have a 165 L cube tank so I have a lot of vertical space.

We are just recently building a house so we have a ton of natural slates laying around. I just wanted to share this with everyone in case they are looking for an alternative to buying decorations.

Enjoy!

Thanks for that, looks like something well worth trying!

 

[Christi_22]

Just what I was looking for. Very cool

Thanks HW

 

[JmeSomers]

Cool! If you make it you will have to post pictures! My husband and I are going to start on ours and hopefully I will have pictures up by the weekend! Check back to see it.

 

[heartworm]

I'm aiming to try this on Friday, all depends on how I feel after seeing Metallica on Thursday, if it goes well ill post the pictures

 

[Christi_22]

Metallica!! lucky you

 

[heartworm]

Metallica!! lucky you

I know, 2nd time in a month

Got the slate today, will have it all boiled/cleaned up for tomorrow and start the making on Thursday hopefully.

 

[JmeSomers]

Okay, thanks with a lot of help from my husband (he's an engineer and pretty much took over the project), we finished it tonight. I have included a picture of it although it is kinda hard to really get the idea of it because it is upside down. I am going to wait until Thursday or Friday to put it in my tank and will add new pictures then.

I added my own twist to the website's slate cave. Mine has a split level for the smaller fish. I also added caves and tunnels so not every entry is the same. I also kept it relatively low because I plan to put a decoration on top of it (trying to get the height porportional for my aquarium).

We used a chisel and hammer to break the slates... it takes a bit of time and is messy but fun in the process. Hopefully the end result will be rewarding.

p.s. have a great time at the concert!

 

[Christi_22]

Okay, thanks with a lot of help from my husband (he's an engineer and pretty much took over the project), we finished it tonight. I have included a picture of it although it is kinda hard to really get the idea of it because it is upside down. I am going to wait until Thursday or Friday to put it in my tank and will add new pictures then.

I added my own twist to the website's slate cave. Mine has a split level for the smaller fish. I also added caves and tunnels so not every entry is the same. I also kept it relatively low because I plan to put a decoration on top of it (trying to get the height porportional for my aquarium).

We used a chisel and hammer to break the slates... it takes a bit of time and is messy but fun in the process. Hopefully the end result will be rewarding.

p.s. have a great time at the concert!

Brilliant, and so quick. I'm impressed!!

Still cant believe this thread is a mix of building slate caves and Metallica

Regards
Christi

 

[Jdubz]

that looks good

What did you use to stick it all together?

 

[JmeSomers]

that looks good

What did you use to stick it all together?

I went to my LFS and bought something called "Marina, Aquarium Silicone Sealant" for €6.00. It is made exactly for aquariums and will seal glass, ceramic, fiberglass, painted & varnished surfaces, slates, rocks & wood. It also comes in clear and black. I got clear because it may have further uses and I wasn't sure if you would see the black against the slates or not. Also I have read that if you use 100% silicone... that should work as well.

Thanks for the compliment... I can't wait to get it in the tank!

 

[beechey]

might have a go at this

 

[Amunet]

Thanks for sharing that website! Might have to take a trip to our local garden center to see if they sell slate cheap and then try this
I'm sure the fish we eventually get would love to have a cave like this.

 

[JmeSomers]

Glad I could help! If you do it be sure to add pictures! It might give others ideas... I plan to put mine in my tank this weekend and will add photos then.

Thanks for the comment!

 

[Jdubz]

Just clicked on the link and they look really good!

I like the idea of putting substrate on top to make a little gardeney bit.

How about making a lip at the back to put a long airstone on to make a bubble wall?

Jake