Clay pots hmmm ??

[lovleeko]

Are clay pot aquarium safe ?

[mac]

Hi,
I would assume so. But IMO I would they they would have to be glazed or well backed to be any good.

I have thought of using posts for caves. But I always tend to go back to using
rock work, and wood set ups.

mac

[jd6405]

I have 3 clay pots in my 30 gal for caves and they are GREAT! Look nice too!

[Northernguy]

Loads of people use clay pots in their tanks.
I like them too!

[Amazon]

yeah there totally fine but i usually just use rocks or driftwood to add a more natural look though

[Adrian]

Many people use clay pots in their tanks for breeding varies different fish. However, if it is for hiding places, I prefer to use natural rock, wood and plants to give my tank a look of being totally natural. I guess it really is a matter of choice.

[Rue]

I use clay pots...I also plant plants in them...excellent way to have plants and not disturb the roots!

Make sure you get the cheap, unglazed ones. You only want the straight terra-cotta type.

[Lady Hobbs]

They work great and you can chip away at the bottom of them with a hammer and a screwdriver and open up the bottom too so they can swim thru.

[korith]

terracotta pots too. Picked up a few small ones from the dollar store.

[mac]

That is the word I forgot. Terra cot pots.

That is a thought. As for planting plants in them IMO I would smash the bottom out just so the roots can spread out if they want.

mac

[lovleeko]

They work great and you can chip away at the bottom of them with a hammer and a screwdriver and open up the bottom too so they can swim thru.


Wow, that's an awesome idea! Thanks for the thought.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm going to go get some. I was just trying to think of something else I can make hiding spots with since I'm getting more dwarf cichlids.

[lovleeko]

I use clay pots...I also plant plants in them...excellent way to have plants and not disturb the roots!

Make sure you get the cheap, unglazed ones. You only want the straight terra-cotta type.


So if their unglazed their terra cotta ?

[fishbum]

They work great and you can chip away at the bottom of them with a hammer and a screwdriver and open up the bottom too so they can swim thru.
If you do this,take some sand paper and smooth down the edges,so your fish do not get cut on them.They are very sharp after chipping or cutting them.

[Rue]

No. Terra-cotta is the red clay they're made of. Some are glazed on top of the clay - they might be shiny, or have colour.

It's hard to tell which glazes are safe and which are not, so that's why you would avoid them.

Also avoid any hand-painted ones for the same reason. Some of the paints used may not be safe for aquarium use.

[fishbum]

So if their unglazed their terra cotta ?
I have had a glazed pot in one of my tanks for years.The glaze is fired on,so there is no chance of it dissolving and contaminating your water.But yes,unglazed is terra cotta.The glazed is too,I think.

[lovleeko]

No. Terra-cotta is the red clay they're made of. Some are glazed on top of the clay - they might be shiny, or have colour.

It's hard to tell which glazes are safe and which are not, so that's why you would avoid them.

Also avoid any hand-painted ones for the same reason. Some of the paints used may not be safe for aquarium use.


Thanks for the advice. I plan to buy some tonight since the dogs are making me have a late night run to walmart:help:

[lovleeko]

I have had a glazed pot in one of my tanks for years.The glaze is fired on,so there is no chance of it dissolving and contaminating your water.But yes,unglazed is terra cotta.The glazed is too,I think.


thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to do that :22:

[Northernguy]

Don't forget pics when your'e done.thumbs2:

[Ryuu]

Yes, we always expect pics lol

[lovleeko]

Don't forget pics when your'e done.thumbs2:

Yes, we always expect pics lol


You know it. thumbs2:

[Crispy]

I use about 10 clay pots in my setup and it still looks quite natural with wood and slate rock also in the setup. Some of them have been in my tanks for close to 10 years with no ill effects... and I do have one glazed one. You'll get better use of them if you break em a bit. Great spawning areas for many cichlids!

[mac]

For me I love to use rock work. Over clay post. For me the reason is they look more natural.*Although with proper care in hiding the pots both can look great. But I have found that the post do make good caves, which can then be covered by rocks.

mac

[lovleeko]

I use about 10 clay pots in my setup and it still looks quite natural with wood and slate rock also in the setup. Some of them have been in my tanks for close to 10 years with no ill effects... and I do have one glazed one. You'll get better use of them if you break em a bit. Great spawning areas for many cichlids!


Looks neat thanks for posting the pic. I can't wait to get some.

[chronic]

I used alot for a while, but I got sick of the look. Now I have a few tiny tiny pots in my 55 g tank just for the look. Kind of like sporadic placed rocks, they look neat.

[killer007]

will clay pot increase PH?

Thanks

[jd6405]

Not that I know of! I have them in both of my tanks and have never had problems with PH.

[killer007]

Thanks :11:
cuz i want to put some in my CRS tank and i am having some hard time keeping the ph down for that tank and don't want to have any ph change
that is good to know, i will go buy some in the dollar stores