Rattliffc12

As you all know Jack Dempseys love to burrow in a cave like formation. The problem that I am having is finding an object large enough for my 9" Jack Dempsey. I have seen many pictures of aquariums containing large flower potts providing this cavernous appeal. My question is if you find these potts safe for aquarium use? I have hear rumors that they might possibly leak toxins into the tank causing harm to your fish. If you have any information, or experience with this situation, I would appreciate your knowledge on the matter.

Rattliff

Beth1965

If you are talking about terrra cotta pots, they are perfectly safe for use in the aquarium. Be sure though that if they are used pots that they have not been near fertilizers. I always boil mine even if they are new before putting in the tank.
They do make a great addition.
BTW, welcome to Fishlore

aquarist48

Hello Ratcliff. I have a multitude of terracotta in my 265g. Not only does it make great hiding and nesting places, they are porous and great for the biology of the tank as well. Collecting good bacteria.

Make sure the pot you choose is not painted or glazed and it should be fine. Boiling it never hurts. I prefer to only use "NEW" pots. Too, they may bubble for a while once you place them into your tank and it will subside once all of the pores are full. Anything terracotta (I have terracotta greek colums 14" long and a large terracotta snail) will work nicely not just pots.

Ken

Rattliffc12

He seems to like it, hasn't figured out he can stay inside of it yet, but he will learn. Also, is a large bridge on his nose normal (can be seen in photos)?

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bolivianbaby

I saw that bridge, I just thought it was the lighting. I've never seen it on any JD, but it could be an old injury of some sort.

Nutter

Terracota pots are great for caves but like Ken said, use new, unglazed ones only. The risk of old pots being contaminated just isn't worth the risk as they ae only a few bucks new. The only thing I will warn you off is that I have come across the occasional pot that makes my GH rise so keep an eye on your parameters for a little while just to make sure it doesn't become an issue. One pot shouldn't make too much difference though even if it does up the GH. Terracota pots can also be siliconed together to bulild quite impressive structures as can terracota pipes. I use terracota structures in my oscar tank & one of my rift lake tanks & the fish absolutley love it.

Don't know about the bridge on his nose but if it was always there then it is probably a minor deformity. So long as it was always there & doesn't effect his ability to eat or anything else then I wouldn't be worried about it.