Cave construction.

[Cheese Specialist]

Hello,

I have tried to build a cave type retreat for my corys out of coloured aquarium rock. I can't really describe it but I don't have much to work with and it's pretty expensive. I have a large big that is suitable for a roof or similar and a smaller bit and then some smaller again.

Anyway, I have posted a similar question here - http/kokosgoldfish.com/forum/index.php?a...t=ST&f=9&t=7751 which has a photo of what I have now, and it will let you see the rocks that I have. I hope you can see it.

Thanks for any tips, there is a place in the US which make caves but sending them is a lot of money. I suppose I could get extra and sell them on. Hmmm

 

[Alien_spawn]

I know what you mean in the end I bought some big rocks with caves/hiding places already in them. cheating i know but...like you I have trouble with it to lol

 

[thecichlidaddict]

If you just randomly pile some rocks up in one part of the tank caves will form on their own that will be dark and tempting for the corys.

 

[nightlife20]

i had to do the same for my kulis and my albino tiger shark

i just brought a pack f rainbow rock and stuck em on top of each othe rwith plenty of room underneath to fit in..... thinkin of gettin another pack as u get 8-10 nice size peices for just £3:99

 

[EddieW]

You could use aqaurium silicon to stick the rocks together - you will need to do this outside the tank and make sure that it has fully cured before it goes back in (48 hours or more).

Alternatively you could use some specialist epoxy putty - such as Milliput, Reef Construct, etc. - I use this on my reef tanks to hold the rock structures together. It has the advantage of being able to be used under water. You tend to use this in a blob of putty so the joints do not have to be perfect.

HTH, Eddie

 

[nightlife20]

yeah but usein sticky stuff to put it togeth has the disadvantage of being able to change how it looks does it not?

i take mine apart every water change an do a diff structure... where as if i had glued it together i wouldnt be able to do that...

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Cheese Specialist

Actually, you've built a very nice cave. It looks natural and inviting.

If your corys are not using it, it's probably just because they're used to going under the wood and haven't gotten around to moving elsewhere.

All my cory caves are just 3 rocks with a flat piece laid across them. I don't glue them because it's easier to just lift the top off for cleaning. It also makes it easier to catch them when I want to move them to another tank.

You might want to experiment with removing their regular hiding place for awhile. In a day or two they might come to appreciate your efforts. If not, just leave it. It's a very attractive addition to your tank.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Cheese Specialist

I just had a thought.....

My cory caves are only about 1 1/2" high on the inside. Sometimes even less. I've noticed that my corys NEVER use the terra cotta flower pots that are in some of the tanks. I thought that might have been because there was too much light getting in, but now I wonder about that.

It could be that they prefer a cozier cave. Why not try sinking yours down a bit further into the gravel to make the height a bit lower? It's worth a try, anyway.