Your DIY Caves

[hurricanejedi]

I need ideas. I'm FINALLY buying my aquarium next weekend and it will be a 46G bowfront. It will be a while before I have everything to start the cycle though.

In the meantime I'd like to get ideas on caves and things to put in the tank. Can people post pics of their caves? Things like coconut, lavarock, slate, bamboo, etc. I'm really open to ideas!! Also what kind of glue should I use and where can I find it (preferably not online..).

 

[Bristlenose Chuck]

I did a yahoo search and came up with all sorts of cool ideas
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=DI...Search&fr=FP-tab-web-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8

As far as glue, I use DAP 100% silicone. You can find it at Lowes or Home Depot. As long as it says 100% silicone, its safe for aquariums. Ive used this stuff to reseal my 125 gallon with no problems.

http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?product_id=25

EDIT: DAP is a brand name

 

[hurricanejedi]

Thanks for the link. I particularly like this project:
http://www.duboisi.com/diy/BNdiygrotto/bndiygrotto.htm

 

[kveeti]

I did a variation on the pipe covered with silicone and then gravel. Note, the pipe must be roughed up (with sandpaper as per the instructions of the first link) or the silicone will not stick long term (learned that previously). I used an electric metal engraver to rough mine up with deeper gouges. First, I attached flat stones on the top with aquarium epoxy because epoxy really is superior for rockwork (but sorry I bought mine online from Big Al's). Then I did the gravel coating. The reason I wanted flat stones on top was so I could stand clumps of java fern on it.

The angle is looking down, because it’s on the back lower section of the tank. This is about half of it, it's 9 inches long.

I also have a coconut cave with java fern on top.

 

[RobKemp]

I created a cave using aquarium glue and stuff picked up from the Adelaide Beach (Australia). A variety of rocks and thick shells in the rough shape of a cave. My Clown Loaches love it because there's an entrance at the front and a gap in one of the corners that they slide in and out of. Naturally I washed the material thoroughly before using it in my FW! Also, small garden pots can also be used, be it plastic, clay or whatever. Just make sure you do a little homework as to the chemical makeup of the material as it might interfere with the water.

 

[Bristlenose Chuck]

I plan on redoing the decor in my 125 next weekend. Im going to attempt to make some DIY caves out of black ABS pipe. Ill take pictures and make a seperate post later on this week on my progress.