DIY Clay Spawning Caves. Instructions with Pics.

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GhostArcher
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DIY Clay Spawning Caves. Instructions with Pics.

Post by GhostArcher »

Just thought I would show everyone how I recently made some spawning caves for my bristlenose plecs. What you will need. 1.75 lbs of clay. You can get this from your local crafts store. 1.75 Lbs will make 4 caves. A piece of wax or freezer paper to work the clay on (The clay WILL STAIN COUNTER TOPS!). A glass oven safe pan or non stick metal baking sheet.

The Basic Instruction for the clay:
Start with clean hands and work surface. Knead the clay until it is soft and smooth. Shape the clay. Bake on oven proof glass or metal surface at 275° F (130° C) for 15 min per 1/4 " (6mm) of thickness. Do not Over bake the clay. Wash hands after use.

****4 Caves can be made for about $18.00 US.****

The clay I started with.
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Tape the freezer/Wax paper to your counter top.
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Open the clay and take out one brick of the clay.
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Knead the clay.
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Tear the clay in half. One brick will make 2 caves for the smaller plec species. If you have one of the larger species I would use 1 brick for 1 cave.
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Flatten the clay out into a rectangle or square.
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**Optional** Texture what will be the inside of the cave.
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Form the clay into a cave and pinch seams shut. Also close one side by pinching shut.
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Place on glass or metal sheet and bake according to instructions. They look dull when the baking is finished.
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Let the caves cool for 24 hours before placing them into your tank.

And finally 24 hours later in the tank!
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Thanks for taking the time to check out my DIY Caves. :cheers:
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jp11biod
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Re: DIY Clay Spawning Caves. Instructions with Pics.

Post by jp11biod »

now that looks like it could be fun!
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Melander
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Re: DIY Clay Spawning Caves. Instructions with Pics.

Post by Melander »

Great tips, I somehow thought it would be more complicated than that, that they needed to be fired in a kiln etc..

I might give this a go myself, thanks for sharing!

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Re: DIY Clay Spawning Caves. Instructions with Pics.

Post by JamesFish »

As this post is a little old has anyone else tried this and do the Caves alter the water in any way?

Was looking at ordering a small cave for my little guy as he currently spawns in a ceramic arch that is far from ideal for him (He's very attached to it but sure he would like a better solution).

Purchased caves of this style with a little bend in it seem to cost £10.
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