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DIY Aquarium Projects For those that are handy or looking to save some money, discuss your DIY aquarium projects here.

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Old 07-09-2008, 05:22 PM   #1
chally567
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Default caves


could i use quick crete for this?

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Old 07-10-2008, 05:41 AM   #2
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Default Re: caves

You could but I think the problem with concrete products is that they may increase the KH of your water. If you want caves for soft water species using concrete may not be a good idea but if you are using it for hard water species, it may be OK.
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Old 07-10-2008, 02:22 PM   #3
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Default Re: caves

I used slate.
Made a table with 4 legs and then glued vertical thin walls on the side.
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Old 07-11-2008, 06:49 AM   #4
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Default Re: caves

I made a slate cave based on this article: http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=6

I did not build up a planting area on the top - mine is just the sides with a top. Getting the sides right is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle, so I "dry stacked" mine and only siliconed it when I was completely happy. I made sure there were no sharp edges on the slate by checking with my finger. My cory cat loves it!
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Old 07-11-2008, 09:58 AM   #5
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Default Re: caves

I did a mod to this. I used only four corners, preferably tal slate, and the made thin slate vertically an glued them.
Also I used sandpaper to take off the sharp edges.

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Originally Posted by keysturtle View Post
I made a slate cave based on this article: http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=6

I did not build up a planting area on the top - mine is just the sides with a top. Getting the sides right is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle, so I "dry stacked" mine and only siliconed it when I was completely happy. I made sure there were no sharp edges on the slate by checking with my finger. My cory cat loves it!
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Old 07-11-2008, 10:06 AM   #6
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Default Re: caves

Quote:
Originally Posted by MatPat View Post
You could but I think the problem with concrete products is that they may increase the KH of your water. If you want caves for soft water species using concrete may not be a good idea but if you are using it for hard water species, it may be OK.
In addition to this, Quikcrete will also get weak and crumble after some time in the tank as the limestone is dissolved. The acidic ph of most planted tanks will eat it away.
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Old 07-11-2008, 05:41 PM   #7
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Default Re: caves

I use Coconut halves!! Will help keep ph down in a planted tank. as well as color the water.

Curt
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Old 07-19-2008, 06:18 PM   #8
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Default Re: caves

clay pots from home depo or lows are cheep come in all sizes, an you can crack'em in half if need be................have fun.............
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