Could i put waterproof clay in my tank?

tony45 · 10-05-2008, 11:39 PM

i dont feel like paying for overpriced accessories. so would i be able to make my own out of some waterproof clay or something?

tony45 · 10-07-2008, 04:26 PM

can anyone help me out please?

Judge · 10-07-2008, 06:12 PM

HI There Tony 45. Can you be a little more specific? What kinds of "accessories" are we talking about. If I have more info I can probably find you an answer. Oh and BTW welcome to FTF, get comfy, we have some great people here.

tony45 · 10-07-2008, 10:59 PM

thanks for the welcome Judge. I am talking about a clay that you can harden and bake it, so that that it will become hard. i would put some type of waterproof sealant over it so my fish could swim under it or through it.

RJRofFL · 10-08-2008, 11:37 AM

Hi Tony45.

I know of a number of folks who utilize clay pots in very creative and effective ways in their tanks.

I feel certain if you use Barrium Free clay (from a pottery shop) for your own creations that would be fine. If your thinking is to make a series of rocks and caves and plan on "gluing" or "attaching" them together I would make sure you use aquarium adhesive. I would also take care not to allow any excess adhesive to remain outside the join. Although it claims to be safe, fish are indeed inquisitive and I have heard of cases where they will in time pick at and ingest this, and it could be a problem. Be certain, too, that your "creations" are firmly planted in the substrate. A sudden "earthquake" could prove fatal for close by fish.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your creativity.

Bob

tony45 · 10-09-2008, 01:56 PM

so going to hobby lobby to get clay is out of the question?

RJRofFL · 10-09-2008, 02:39 PM

Hi tony45.

I am sorry but I don't know who hobby lobby is.

I can only tell you that when I purchased a decoration to go with the Castle in my aquarium, I was advised that it was barrium free clay. Now I am not a chemist, and have always asked questions before purchasing anything to put into my tank. When I was unable to find anything to suit my taste at the LFS, it was suggested to try a pottery shop.

The owner of the shop indicated to me that there are differences in clay. He also advised me that the only clay safe for aquariums were those that were inert, that is, do not release chemicals. I trusted his advice and knowledge, and have had this piece in my tank for nine months with no problems.

I hope this helps somewhat.

Bob

tony45 · 10-09-2008, 04:47 PM

thank you. that was a big help to me. hobby lobby is a craft store, but after reading that i'm sure that some of their clays probably release some chemicals. thanks for the help