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.

nater

I have used pots in my JD's tank also with no problems. One suggestion, I would put more rocks under back of the pot so the front tilts downward. This will make the inside of the pot darker. My JD's always liked the pots better when I did this.

TedsTank

terra cotta pots are great, and have you thought about large PCV pipe sections? Sometimes available in black and can be "decorated" using aquarium caulk and adding rocks or gravel on the outside, to hide the obivious pipe look!!! Some nice designs I think in our DYI files.

Rattliffc12

Does PVC not float

aquarist48

Hello Rattliffc. PVC will sink.
Ken

btate617

Just something I noticed in your pics....

Even though it would take up more room in your tank I would look for a bigger pot. In the pic with the JD next to it it looks like the fish is just about the same size as the pot. A bigger pot may make the fish fill more comfy as it will be able to get all the way in it and have a little extra room.

By the way the fish looks great.

Brian

crazy4fish_123

I use flower pots in all my aquariums that i have cichlids in..they work great

Jonathan P

I've had a lot of success with mine. I bought new ones at the hardware store and cut them. Here are some photos of them when I first submerged them and now. Bonus is my Jack loves them.

Granted he's only a few inches and the pots are small, but shouldn't be any different for larger ones.

Sorry not great photos.

Good luck with them.

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Lucy

Be sure to check the dates before replying.
This one is 3 months old.
Cute pics though!