Tank decorations that aren't made for tanks??

[trisha1972]

What all can be used for tank decorations? What I mean is what is acceptable material to be put into a tank with freshwater fish? i.e. Terra Cotta pots for caves?

I've seen pics of people's aquariums that have terra cotta pots, pvc pipe and the like. What makes the best "caves" and other decoration/habitat that isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg?

 

[@ombomb]

Personally I use:

River rocks
Terracotta pots
Bogwood
Slate from the landscaping section at the garden centre

all boiled in advance.

PVC pipes are fine, I just think they look ugly.

 

[Teelie]

PVC pipes are fine, I just think they look ugly.

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That's what silicone and rocks are for.

 

[@ombomb]

True, wouldn't be the first time I've been called lazy...

Where do you get the silicon from? Hardware store or LFS?

 

[Teelie]

Anywhere, so long as it's pure silicone and has nothing else in it. The best place is of course an LFS or pet supply store that says specifically meant for aquarium use.

 

[@ombomb]

Hmmm I have some silicon sealant at home from when we fitted the bathroom...

Will have to have a look and see what else is in there though.

LFS may well be a safer bet though.

 

[trisha1972]

I bought a tube of aquarium sealant to attach two pieces of slate to my piece of wood. I think I may buy more slate and build a couple of little "caves". I was thinking that the small terra cotta pots may be good in case any livebearers have babies.

 

[Jules H-T]

As I've said in a thread recently, don't BUY slate, phone your local fireplace manufacturer and they'll probably let you take as many offcuts as you want from their waste skip. My local one did.

 

[SirMinion]

Hmmm I have some silicon sealant at home from when we fitted the bathroom...
Will have to have a look and see what else is in there though.

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DON'T use bathroon sealant as nearly all brands have a vey high acetic acid content (that vinegary smell) which would cause havoc in a tank. Stick to sealants made for aquaria or marked suitable for 'potable water' use.

 

[starrfish71]

I also use a variety of glass pieces- if it's not painted or coated with oils ( and doesn't have sharp edges) glass makes an interesting a beautiful accent in the aquarium.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

you can use green trashbags. cut them up into strips and weigh it down with a rock or something. it moves like real plants, and its cheap. oh yeah, make sure the bags are clean

 

[BigC]

Half coconut shells covered in Java Moss make excellent caves.

 

[trisha1972]

Our lfs has coconut shells for hermit crabs. Wouldn't they float badly in an aquarium?

 

[simonbrown403]

have a look at the aquascaping ideas on this site, some nice ideas for caves and decoration

http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_list.php

ps am aloud to post links to articals just not the forum is that right, if not i,m sorry )

 

[BigC]

Our lfs has coconut shells for hermit crabs. Wouldn't they float badly in an aquarium

Cut a notch in the shell for the entrance then silicone the half shell to a piece of slate or glass (with the sharp edges sanded off) and bury the slate or glass part in the gravel to disguise it. Then cover the shell with Java Moss.