What To Use To Create Small Fish Hides?

[TetraFin]

Hi all!

Just a quick question. I got some plans to rescape/ scape my tank, and want to include some hidey holes for some of the fish. My initall thought is to use coconuts, but these will take up a fair amount of space in the tank, (my plan is to put 4 in), and was wondering if there is anything else I can use to make some from. I'd want it to look natural, and am thinking of putting java moss on top of it.

Thank you for any suggestions!

 

[leighton_87]

I have a coconut in mine that works well.

Lots of tanks have rubber tubing in which works great and is small but doesn't look very natural.

The best natural looking think I can think of is piles rocks or bogwood. While these are quit big if piled correctly will provide lots and lots of holes for you fish to explore and look perfectly natural. Do be very careful when piling rocks and make sure they are not going to fall if knocked by a boisterous fish - wouldn't want anyone getting trapped between them!

Alternatively plants work just as well for hiding places - you might not think of the leaves as hiding holes but I can assure you your fish will.

 

[TetraFin]

I havent ruled out using coconuts totally as of yet, but i'm looking for a smaller alternative. But i just had a thought for if i did use coconuts.... coconuts float, how do i sink it? Same way as we do with bog wood, soak it for days/ weeks until finally it no longer floats?

 

[-Craig-]

I havent ruled out using coconuts totally as of yet, but i'm looking for a smaller alternative. But i just had a thought for if i did use coconuts.... coconuts float, how do i sink it? Same way as we do with bog wood, soak it for days/ weeks until finally it no longer floats?

You would need to tie it to a rock or something and make sure it stays completely submerged in water for a week or two, then it should sink, thats how I do driftwood.

 

[leighton_87]

I havent ruled out using coconuts totally as of yet, but i'm looking for a smaller alternative. But i just had a thought for if i did use coconuts.... coconuts float, how do i sink it? Same way as we do with bog wood, soak it for days/ weeks until finally it no longer floats?

Can't help you on that as I bought the tank secondhand and my coconut was pre-soaked but can confirm they definitely stay sunk after a while.