Terricota

[lilhurleybunny]

I got some stuff to make a little cave for my fishes today and when dad asked what i was using as the real cave i told him terricotta pots. He said.."what?! Thats clay they will fall apart in water!!". Is this true? I've seen people use them..and i have some great cave design ideas so i hope they're okay to use.

 

[Adrinal]

some baked clay does work.. but I would guess it leaches and depending what is in the clay...

glazed would be better im sure... they do sell clay pots especialy for cichlids... If you are not certian and you want to use it any how... I would soak it for 2 weeks or so in a bucket... perhaps even boil it some... let most of the leaching happen there

 

[lilhurleybunny]

Okie I'll try that!! Thanks!! We have lots of pots in the basement so ill go and see if we have anything..glazed lol.

Would plastic work? We have lots of plastic pots. .

Thanks!!!

 

[Adrinal]

Plastic is 100% no problem. wash it well with tap water and your fingers NO SOAP. If it is hard enough plastic a dip in boiling water helps kill most bacteria.
Certianly you dont need to soak plastic stuff at all. they are gtg right after cleaning. (same with glazed though i didnt mention dont use glaze that obviously has metalic bits in it... or at least confirm you can from some where else).

most flower pots, that are unpainted, are ok. still I would wash boil and soak for a few days.

 

[wetwetwet]

Personally I'd say use the terracota - if its been in a kiln then its fine....

....though that said I wouldn't use your old ones in the basement (new ones yes) as they might have been subjected to pesticides or other garden chemicals




www

 

[lilhurleybunny]

Okie!! I used a small plastic pot. I've put my stuff on it and dressed it up..it looks pretty good if I do say so myself . I'll porbably post a picture of it on here when im finished!

Thanks for your help!!