PVC pipe for catfish caves

Angela_96 · September 17th, 2008

I bought a 2 foot section of PVC pipe when we were out shopping at home depot the other day. How long should I cut (okay,

get my husband to cut) each section?) I am going to re-do my tank where the male and female that had the fry are and hopefully they will find the caves more "secure" and I can get fry out of the cave instead of here there and everywhere.

I am also wanting to glue my lava rock in sections for that tank, how hard would it be w/ aquarium sealant?

clinton1621 · September 17th, 2008

I would assume the pipes should be a little longer than the fish, obviously if they stick out then they wouldnt be hiding lol.

It would depend on how big the lava rock pieces are.... being full of holes means the sealant probably wouldnt hold a heavy piece very well =(

Angela_96 · September 17th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinton1621

I would assume the pipes should be a little longer than the fish, obviously if they stick out then they wouldnt be hiding lol.

It would depend on how big the lava rock pieces are.... being full of holes means the sealant probably wouldnt hold a heavy piece very well =(

I was hoping there would be an easy way to group the lava rock together, I am cleanaholic w/ my tanks, and it takes me a good hour w/ my larger tanks just getting the rocks in and out so I can get to the substrate to clean the tanks really good. I am wanting to change my 55g over to either large peices of texas holey rock or lava rock. Of coarse watch me mess around w/ my tanks where my cichlids are happy and breeding and then they won't be doing anything.

Coryd55 · September 20th, 2008

If you are breeding bristlenose, they like something tight that they barely fit in, they "feel" secure and are more likely to breed. I don't see why PVC wouldn't work for that. An EXCELLENT source for cat and other caves is South Central Cichlids - I will find an email for you if you are interested, their website isn't working. The custom make caves out of clay and they are perfect for bristlenose and other plecos.

Silicone would work fine for piecing together your lava/texas holey rock. Many people do that with their LR in SW tanks. It helps the structural stability and it saves you from having to rearrange it everytime. I am assuming that by glueing your lava rocks, thats what you meant.

HOpe that helps,
Cory

Angela_96 · September 20th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coryd55

If you are breeding bristlenose, they like something tight that they barely fit in, they "feel" secure and are more likely to breed. I don't see why PVC wouldn't work for that. An EXCELLENT source for cat and other caves is South Central Cichlids - I will find an email for you if you are interested, their website isn't working. The custom make caves out of clay and they are perfect for bristlenose and other plecos.

Silicone would work fine for piecing together your lava/texas holey rock. Many people do that with their LR in SW tanks. It helps the structural stability and it saves you from having to rearrange it everytime. I am assuming that by glueing your lava rocks, thats what you meant.

HOpe that helps,
Cory

Thanks, I would love to check out those caves.

I have some silicone already I was wondering if I could get by w/ doing that. Thanks! Its just such a hassle to take them out and put them back w/ every water change but if I had groups glued together it would be much easier.

Coryd55 · September 20th, 2008

It depends on what type of silicone. It needs to have no mildew resistant or odor stuff in it. GE Silicone I - Window and Door is good stuff that won't hurt your tank.

Here is the link for SCC:

http://store.southcentralcichlids.co...ves/Categories

Their email is:

sccichlids@aol.com

Hope that helps,
Cory

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