emilai333

I've been trying to come up with an economical way to create a tank decoration to look like rock that has been worn away in different layers, so that it has lots of horizontal cracks in it for my goby to hide in. I happened down the flooring aisle of the hardware store and stopped to look - I know terra cotta is safe for aquariums, and ceramics should be. I mentioned that I was looking for pieces to break up and build a tank decoration with, and the kid told me that they would give me a deal if I took broken pieces because they don't have a use for them. I got 80% off and bought enough for my killi tanks and goby tank for 70 cents. I also bought one piece of slate for full price, because that was really what I was after.

I took the broken pieces and got rid of sharp edges by rubbing them against each other - by rubbing two edges together I could wear off both at the same time! - So basically what I am wondering - does anybody know of anything they treat these with that would leech into the tank water and hurt the fish? The kid thought it would be OK but you know how people without fish are...

Anyway, I sealed a few bits together with silicone aquarium sealant so the "glue" is aquarium safe.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Butterfly

They will be fine. Got pictures?
Carol

Dino

The tiles themselves should be ok, I would be more worried about any glaze on them.

sirdarksol

Avoid anything with bright greenish blue or any metallic colors, for sure, as copper is the most common source of green/blue, and any metals would be bad.

Personally, I wouldn't put any ceramics in if I couldn't verify the nature of the clay, slip, and glaze.