Signs of a reliable decoration?

[propel]

Wanting to get a natural looking hide decor so that there's more than driftwood and plants. Thing is, I don't know what some signs are that make a decoration reliable or not. I don't want paint or pieces chipping off, toxins leeching, sharp pieces, or hides that are good at getting fish stuck.

 

[OminousHoney]

You could always go with a good ole coconut hide, toss some Java moss on top and you're good to go. I made some hides from gluing rocks together. To test the jagged edges use some panty hose or maybe even a tissue to see if it catches. If it does, some things can easily be sanded.

I like the DIY approach because I feel there are way too many decorations out there advertised for aquarium use that aren't safe for fish at all.

(I'm looking at you, SpongeBob pineapple!)

 

[propel]

You could always go with a good ole coconut hide, toss some Java moss on top and you're good to go. I made some hides from gluing rocks together. To test the jagged edges use some panty hose or maybe even a tissue to see if it catches. If it does, some things can easily be sanded.

I like the DIY approach because I feel there are way too many decorations out there advertised for aquarium use that aren't safe for fish at all.

(I'm looking at you, SpongeBob pineapple!)

Where would I get a coconut hide? I do I just need to buy a coconut and clean it out?

 

[OminousHoney]

Sure! I've even seen grocery sell coconuts that are already cut in half. They sell a nice little coconut bridge that has Java moss on it already at the chain pet stores as well.

 

[ruud]

Add a thick layer of dead leaves.

 

[BlueRaccoon]

Botanicals. Many places sell them. I used to get them from Manzanita Driftwood. But there are many places on Etsy, eBay, etc that sells them. I also buy PVC pipes that are for potable water and use those. They aren't beautiful, but you can hide them behind other things.