•
How do I make a safe ornament for freshwater aquarium?
Deneen asked:
I want to make a cave for my fish. I’d like to use somenthing creative but know that I could also contaminate the water if I use something that leeches into the water. I know my aquarium-safe gravel is painted with latex. So, can I use latex paint to coat a rock or something and use that in the tank?
I want to make a cave for my fish. I’d like to use somenthing creative but know that I could also contaminate the water if I use something that leeches into the water. I know my aquarium-safe gravel is painted with latex. So, can I use latex paint to coat a rock or something and use that in the tank?
•
19. December 2008 at 5:26 am :
Just use aquarium sealant.
It’s clear and cheap at Walmart. Do a few coats just to be safe.
That’s what I use and I’ve never had a problem.
20. December 2008 at 4:20 pm :
What kind of rock are you looking to use? Most rocks are safe as long as they are boiled first (to sterilize them). Certain rocks will raise your pH (limestone, marble, and many other porous rocks). Avoid decorations that are composed mainly of calcium because they will raise your pH and your hardness. Email me if you have any questions.
Soop Nazi
EDIT: If you use silicone to cover it, it will look ridiculous and you will have a lot of trouble filling all the nooks and crannies that fish love so much.
22. December 2008 at 1:12 pm :
This link has a number of ideas - I like the PVC pipe coated with silicon sealant, then rolled in aquarium gravel (you could also use aquarium safe sand) so the cave has a more natural appearance:
You can also use clay flowerpots (unglazed) turned on their sides.
25. December 2008 at 12:43 am :
You can paint decorations, but the problem lies, not only with the possibility of the paint being toxic, but also, simply, peeling off. I have made my own decorations and when I have painted them the chosen color and after letting the paint dry very well, I put on 3-4 coats of resin or epoxy. This seals the paint and prevents it from peeling and makes the item very easy to clean. I also allow the item to cure for 3-4 weeks before using to ensure that any potentially toxic elements are gone. Most decorations are made from resin and/or epoxy, so, once dry, they are acceptable materials for the aquarium.
27. December 2008 at 12:17 am :
HI Deneen, Personally I would not recommend using any art/craft/DIY products in your tank no matter how safe they are claimed to be, it’s always good to err on the side of caution when dealing with living ceatures.
Assuming your fish are relatively small how about using cups or mugs on their sides? These make excellent caves for little fish to explore & often double as ‘bedrooms’ at night. You can also colour-coordinate this crockery with your other tank decor. Crockery is inert due to the firing process so completely safe. Glass tumblers are also good fun for you & the fish.
27. December 2008 at 7:30 am :
No you are asking for trouble and I would not use any painted rocks in my aquarium they eventually leech toxins. I think all these unnatural colors are gawdy and childlike. A more natural look looks much better.