The rock is just slate that I picked up from the LFS, and slate wont alter the PH levels. You buy it in large slabs that weigh about 6 or 7 lbs, then bust them up with a hammer. They fracture into those nice little pieces like that.

As far as the plastic, I would stay away from anything colored and anything that had any contact with chemicals of any kind. Color pigments and/or chemicals can leach from the plastics and contaminate the water.


What's nice about fracturing the rock yourself into smaller pieces from the large slate piece is you get a bunch of larger pieces left over that you can use to just stack up into any creation you want to. I used the larger pieces to make a slate cave on the other end of the tank

 

Travis you inspired me to build a slate cave...see what you think.

I was trying for something natural and yet house-like. I picked up 4 6x6 slate squares at Home Depot for .92 cents each and some aquarium silicone. Smashed up the slate (you're right, it IS fun and easy, slate splits just looking at it lol!), played around with the shapes, got past my obsession with symmetry, smacked the sharp/flat edges to dull them a bit, glued it in stages, let set for awhile, took a nail file and sanding block to soften all the edges, then soaked it, then tested the soaking water for metals/pH changes, then into the aquarium it went. Hardest part was keeping the pieces still while the silicone set up. When I split one of the tiles, the edge revealed a thin layer of tiny garnets. You can see it in one of the pics.

Here's the final product. Tied some java on the right side, and some other plants are eventually going to climb up the left side too. Fishies seem to like it

Thanks for the inspiration!

 

looks really nice! great job!

it's definitely a fun little project

there's also something strangely satisfying about breaking things with hammers too, lol; good stress relief

 

That looks nice.

 

i just picked up a few peices of slate barn roofing. Free of nails and glue. There are the holes where the nails were but it just adds character. If you live in an area like me that is mostly rural and old you can get a lot of this for free. boiled and scrubbed. Looking to make loose stacked caves out of them so that i can re arrange when ever i want.

Your's looks awesome btw.

 

You did a great job.

 

Awesome Idea, Ive made a few out of glad containers and never had any problems. Does anyone else have any ideas for any other type of rock/slab to use besides slate? Just curious for ideas as I am in the process of building a new tank....

 

I just saw this youtube video and it reminded me of this thread:
YouTube - My home made slate cave aquarium decoration
Not my work, but thought it worth sharing the link with you guys.

 

wow that is a really neat cave! thanks for sharing!!

 

I have been looking for some larger caves for my tank at the LFS and haven't liked the sizes of what they have to offer. I like the idea of the silicone and rocks but am not very patient. So here's an idea and a question...

I've heard that Legos are aquarium-safe. Considering that kids can chew on them and such, that makes sense to me. I don't know if they float, but if you used one of the large, flat pieces as a base and put some gravel or rocks on it, that could also help weigh it down.

Around the idea of the terra-cotta pot in the tank, I was looking at a ceramic vase, similar to this one

But it's from a craft store (Michaels), so I have no idea what's in the coating or paint and if it'll leach out but would make an interesting hiding spot. Any thoughts or ways I could test it? Thanks!

 

I know it's not exactly your question but ceramic things safe for food and drink are usually considered safe for use in the aquarium if that helps.

 

That's very helpful, actually. There are some cool things that I'm going to look at- cups and glasses, those things people store flour and sugar in, potentially a small pitcher, or maybe a small bowl tilted the right way. I'll be sure to post pictures in the forum/thread where people show off their tanks! The best part is, kitchenware comes in so many colors that it's sure to match anybody's aquarium...

The problem (and yes, I know it's a growing problem) is that I have a 10 inch sailfin pleco. He loves to hide and the LFS caves aren't big enough for him. So something like this would be great, especially since he likes to put his fin up inside the cave and would give him a lot more room, and potentially could look kinda cool. Maybe. :fish9:

I also like the coconut idea, but I don't think it will match my decor and they may be a bit small. Thanks for the ideas!

 

WOW that is freakin awesome! I can't wait to try my hand at something like that!

 

Nice digs man. I like that.

I usually use terra cotta pot saucers and either flip em upside down for kullis and corydoras or glue two together for the plecos and other fish to hide in.
I really like it, start production and sell em, you got something there that people WILL buy.

 

greetings to you lot...lot of great thinkers,,willing to experiment. and share your thoughts.
well done...I will develop some idears from this good work of yours

 

1) Someone WILL jump all over me for replying to an old thread.

2) Don't care.

3) Your hide turned out AWESOME and my bettas need one just like it.

So far I have been living by the theory of KISS, but I'd like something fancier like the condo you made with those spindle covers.

Here's my KISS hides: (edit: the hide in the middle was purchased at PestMart. My KISS idea was using the coffee mugs on the left)

 

This thread seems to have turned into a classic. There have been a steady trickle of replies since it was started, it's never really gone dead.

 

Agreed,its not really dead.Its a very helpful thread.The spindles are great Ideas.I also like the cups and your betta ladies are pretty!You should send the dragon girl my way though,I have a male who matches her quite well!

 

This thread has got me thinking as I was reading it. I'm gonna have to start trying some stuff. Anyone know if copper is aquarium safe? Not as in a full copper hide out, but just some accents. I am a metal worker so I thought it would look kind of need once it oxidizes.

 

Ok.... so I did some searching. Copper isn't a good idea in an aquarium. So scratch that idea.

 

I'm afraid metal and aquariums are not a great mix. Stainless steel might be your best bet but even that I would be hesitant about.

 

It would be worth the time to experiment. Likely there is either copper or aluminum wire in all your aquariums. Power supplies for heaters, pumps, etc. The thing is that it's encased in vinyl and other inert materials.

I would like to just coat a piece of copper wire in silicone and then submerse for a while. My hypothesis is that if it really is completely encased, no oxidation can occur. Just like with our submersible heaters, where no oxidation or electrocution occurs because the copper never touches the water.

 

creating caves, yes a cup or mag will do,,but come on ,,we can be more creative than this, a bit more effort ,with more natural to the fish normal local.
live plants instead of plastic ones. real plants breath,,and remove toxens from the water. how ever in the end its up the individuals tastes..and there sis plenty of that...*old dude*r2

 

You all have given me some great ideas! I even have a tube of silicone lying around....... Now to narrow the list of items to glue stones and such on.

 

Here is an interesting technique for making wood effect caves and backgrounds:
higbeeiso - Aquarium Backgrounds Diy
Again not mine, just found it while browsing and thought others might like it too.