FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Is it safe to use terra cotta in my tank? I want to make a cave type thing for fish to hide in if they want/need to. Also, I have no driftwood or rock in the tank. Only about 6 fake plants. Is this enough?

I believe it is safe to use terra cotta. I have seen it in fish tanks before. Just wash it out before you stick it in. The amount of plants you have depends on the size tank. If you think that there is enough room for the fish to swim and hide in the plants then that should be enough. Consider live plants too, they benefit your fish and your tank. There are many low-maintenance/low-light plants you can get.

What size tank?? and as fishguy said i'd consider live plants, they look much better IMO. I have got terracotta pots in my tanks and the fish are fine just remember to give them a rinse before use.

cfd

[span class="edited"][Edited by catfish_dude 2004-07-10 01:47][/span]

--------------------------
Billy was a scientist, Billy is no more. For what he thought was H20, was H2SO4

It's a 10 gallon tank...

Some ideas for plants- javafern/javamoss or some anubias.

I have a terra cotta pot in my fry tank. I bought it new and gave it a good wash.
Havn't had any probs with it and all the fish love having a rest in there.
Deffo get some real plants. There just soooo much better than fakes.

The terra-cotta will work great, my mom uses them in just about all of her five tanks.

As for the plants, if you're into live plants then you're welcome to them. I personally only use fake plants in all of my tanks, but it is a matter of personal preference. If you're going to go with fake plants after all, I'd recommend more plants just because most fish will feel most comfortable with lots of space to hide as opposed to tons of open space...my 55 has become a veritable forest of plants and caves...

Don't forget though, this is all a personal preference. It comes down to what you think looks the best...

PM/email/msg me if you have any questions/comments regarding me or my knowledge or if you want me to read a thread.

Make sure the pots are *new* as well. Old pots could have had pesticides or fertilizers used in them which at best could cause an algae bloom and at worst could kill your fish.

Also don't buy glazed pots, use the plain ones, a lot of glazes contain lead.