pleco clay / ceramic caves

[Srenaeb]

checking out caves at http://www.plecocaves.com/Caves.htm

anybody purchased caves for their plecos?

why do they have to be in a tube shape? do other shapes work?
what about a tube shape with flat bottom, would plecos like those too?

 

[ianab]

checking out caves at http://www.plecocaves.com/Caves.htm

anybody purchased caves for their plecos?

why do they have to be in a tube shape? do other shapes work?
what about a tube shape with flat bottom, would plecos like those too?

The closed end caves should be great for breeding Bristlenose. They like an enclosed space with just one entrance so they can block it off with their body to protect the eggs.

But otherwise they will take shelter in any sort of pipe or cave. One thats open at both ends is fine as they dont have to back in or out.

Ian

 

[Srenaeb]

Thank you! =D that makes perfect sense

A local shop is giving away free clay and will bake whatever we made (probably for a fee?) so I'm going to try making one~

 

[DavidZ]

you have to make sure the clay is aquarium safe

 

[ariae]

I've bought tons of caves from them. I forgot the guys name.. He's always at the Chicago swap meets.

Also check out

http://www.rosenthalpottery.com/plecocaves.html

 

[Srenaeb]

you have to make sure the clay is aquarium safe

any particular guidelines for what makes them aquarium safe?
I read sculpty is good and basically no heavy-metals or lead glazes

 

[DavidZ]

Unglazed clay is safe in an aquarium, as long as the clay is fired to it's maturing temperature. Self drying clay can not be used.
Recommended a clay body that fires to cone 6.

 

[vanillarum]

Here's some caves for ya. I got them from a bunch of different people, including the 2 listed above. I went with a wide variety of caves, that way the plecos can choose what design they like. This is one of my breeding tanks. Unfortunately, the plecos don't seem to realize that they are IN the breeding tank yet ! I really think they are still too young. Good luck.

 

[Srenaeb]

/me writes down everything DavidZ said
my old ceramics teacher taught us what cone6 means; have since forgotten, but the local studio would know. Thanks!


vanillarum, those are really nice and colourful! I'm sure it'll put them in a breeding mood
once they're old enough =)

 

[ESOXLUCIOUSS]

cool tank, they will breed , plenty of food and water changes and they will br good, thats my experience even though i am new at this.