Clay Pots

[MammoMK11]

I was thinking of decorations I could add to my 20g tank, and thought of putting in a broken clay pot or two(i've seen this done in other aquariums and like it). I have two small ones that I think would look good, but they are painted and don't appear to be glazed or fired with it. I also have a slightly larger pot, and a bonsai tree pot that are also painted, but appear to be glazed/fired.

Is it alright for me to put the non glazed/fired pots in there, or would the chemicals from the paint be a problem? Same with the fired/glazed? I would love to have them in my tank, but I want to make sure that there isn't any danger for my fish.

 

[tai95]

Unless you know what kind of paint was used I wouldn't try it. Terra cotta pots are only a dollar or two so it wouldn't cost much to get ones you know are safe.

 

[Shocker6966]

On a side note, terra cotta is very porous and offers a dynamite environment for bacteria to grow.

 

[Miguel]

And its off orange color looks great hidden among plants.

 

[jamie1972]

I bought three small terra cota pots at Home Depot for about .53 each. I had hubby cut the bottom off one of them, then used fine sandpaper to make the cut area smooth (so as not to damage fins). I used aquarium silicone to glue them together with the two whole ones on bottom next to each other, facing opp. directions, and the cut one on top. It made a GREAT cave system, and a super conversation starter. (They are the centerpiece in my 5g hex on my desk at work) The fish and snail love to hide or swim through. I would definately rec. it. I would put some in the 30g at home.....but hubby doesn't like the pots. He likes the natural look of our driftwood.

Good luck!

 

[MammoMK11]

Thanks for the help, I was a little disappointed, but it's for the best. I like what you described and I think I might try it with mine. It depends on what I find at the local supply store.

 

[Madcrawdad]

I had hubby cut the bottom off one of them, then used fine sandpaper to make the cut area smooth (so as not to damage fins).

I was actually thinking about cutting a couple of pots myself....what did you use to cut? I was thinking of trying a hacksaw or rotary cutting tool. Is this what your husband used?

 

[Siren]

My concern would be how to sterilize the pots? Can you use the boiling water method, or will that crack the pots?

I'm getting a 5 gallon flat back hex next week...might set something like this up as part of the tank. Thanks for the idea...

 

[liv2padl]

there's no need to "sterilize" terracotta pots. just rinse them under warm water and they're good to go.

 

[Siren]

there's no need to "sterilize" terracotta pots. just rinse them under warm water and they're good to go.

Awesome...I'm headed to "Home Desperate" (or "Home Despot" depending on the amount of cash I spend there ) today for some other home repairs stuff...might just pick up a pot or two and try my hand at making some caves...