Natural Ornaments/decorations, Alternatives

[mosfet]

Hi all,

I have been looking at ornaments and decorations for a tank but they are so expensive. Does anyone have any natural alternatives for a tropical tank.
For example clay pots, etc?
I have been told in order to test to see if they are safe its best to put vinegar on them. If they start to fizz they are not suitable. Does this sound correct?

Cheers

 

[GRJ]

You could get some nice rock from your local garden centre, thats what i did for my mbuna tank. You just have to make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and be carefull of certain metal contained in the rock. Some rocks also buffer the PH so limestone you should be carefull of, unless your fish can tolerate a higher PH. I have lava rock in my tank which is interesting visually. I think what you asked about the clay pot and vinegar is correct, i am not 100% though on that. I have seen some tanks with pots in though. You could also get some shells, they look nice and natural. Decorations are expensive though, i paid nearly £60 for the rock in my tank, but i had to get a lot of rock. You can get away with just a few nice peices probably. Some lfs's also sell an array of polished stones and glass bead type things. Shop around for the best deals. GRJ

 

[mosfet]

Thanks mate, i am in no rush so i will look around. Cheers

 

[Imber]

Plain terracotta pots are safe and nice for tanks. Just be sure that your fish can't get stuck in the hole in the bottom. I've used lava rock and slate and they are both very lovely in aquariums. Also, pretty much anything that's just glass and not painted will be okay.

 

[GRJ]

Thats no problem, my tank has been up and running for 4 months now and i still dont know if i am happy with the decor! GRJ

 

[Biulu]

I get most of my decoration out in nature, especially stones. I give them a good scrub, and leave them overnight in a weak bleach solution to make sure any harmful things are killed. Then I rinse them thorougly, and put them in.

 

[buffalogal]

I get most of my decoration out in nature, especially stones. I give them a good scrub, and leave them overnight in a weak bleach solution to make sure any harmful things are killed. Then I rinse them thorougly, and put them in.

A friend just offered me some dead branches off a twisty willow tree that I want to try. (You see them in flower arrangements sometimes.) I just posted it last night in the plant forum to see if they were safe to use. I think a few would look cool with some driftwood!

 

[GRJ]

I dont know if they are suitable but they would look cool! I hope that works out for you with the twisty willow! If it works out, send a piccy! GRJ

 

[Naughtygirlrlw]

I used to have a clay pot in my betta sorority tank, had it in there for at least a year before one of the girls decided to check it out. I was coming downstairs, took a quick peek in there and there she was, stuck like no tomorrow. Okay, time to think quick, I called my roomate, we got some dechlorinated water set up, pulled her out and took turns lifting her up so she could get air. I couldn't push or pull her so we had to crack the pot and use pliers to take chunks from the pot until she was free. Talk about bedtime drama! Thankfully she was fine, but I sealed all the holes in all my tanks the next morning!