PVC Caves?

1tankneverenuff · Post by **1tankneverenuff** » 19 Apr 2005, 07:32

I want to use black PVC piping for caves/tunnels for when I began breeding some dwarf plecostomus. Will this work? Will it float or no? If I can't use the black PVC piping, what is good to use then? Thanks!

Post by **Barbie** » 19 Apr 2005, 08:40

Here again, defining just which pleco you want to work with is going to help immensely with the answers you'll need. Narrow that down and we can probably point you at the information you need. Many of these topics have been discussed on the board at length also. You can always check the Shane's World articles, especially the ancistrinae internet lecture and the online chat lecture by Larry Vires. Both describe in detail many of the steps for spawning these fish your home. Hope that helps!

Barbie

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 19 Apr 2005, 14:17

I agree with Barbie, a bit more information would help alot in us providing some suggestions.

IME PVC Pipe is OK, but far from ideal. If you have to use PVC, it's best to at least roughen up the inside surfaces some (w/ 40-60 grit sandpaper) prior to putting it in the tank. This affords the male fish some purchase when trying to wedge himself into the otherwise slick piping. The male fish will want the ability to lock himself into place to defend the site.

The cut slate or tile caves described in the Ancistrine Internet Lecture are ideal... ...and cheap if you have access to a tile saw!

kev · Post by **kev** » 19 Apr 2005, 17:35

if it help's mate ive got plastic pipe in a couple of tank's and it sink's and the fish love it

.

Kev.

davidkozak · Post by **davidkozak** » 19 Apr 2005, 17:52

re: the tiles-Stores will cut the tiles to size for you for a small fee(and often for free) and you can also find tiles that are close to the size you need for caves with minimal cutting..some "accent tiles" are just the right size..David

1tankneverenuff · Post by **1tankneverenuff** » 20 Apr 2005, 01:02

Sorry for the trouble everyone and thank you for all the replies so far. My focus is on L-046, L-239, and L-183 depending on their availability. You mention tile, but what about some type of slate rock as well? I have these 5 pieces of rock (look like some sort of black slate) and my Clown and Leopard Frog LOVE wedging themselves into the crevaces and holes I made. Would this work?

Sandtiger · Post by **Sandtiger** » 20 Apr 2005, 03:20

You could cut the PVC in half and that would allow them to have a gravel bottom (provided you have gravel). YOu could also use terra cotta pots.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 20 Apr 2005, 09:55

1tankneverenuff wrote:Sorry for the trouble everyone and thank you for all the replies so far. My focus is on L-046, L-239, and L-183 depending on their availability. You mention tile, but what about some type of slate rock as well? I have these 5 pieces of rock (look like some sort of black slate) and my Clown and Leopard Frog LOVE wedging themselves into the crevaces and holes I made. Would this work?

Most aquatic shops will sell slate, and so does garden centres. If you have access to a tile-cutter (you can buy a small one for about 30 pounds (= $60 US) here in the UK), you can cut slate into the shape you want, and use aquarium silicon [available in your LFS, $5-20 depending on brand and pack-size] to "glue" the pieces together. If the slate you get is quite thick, it's not very difficult to use a chisel (or large screwdriver if you're not too particular about your tools) to split it into thinner stuff, as slate is quite "layered".

Similarly, if you buy simple, plain ceramic tiles (the ones used in bathrooms and kitchens), you can cut them to correct sizes and glue together with aquarium silicon. Just avoid bright blue/yellow/red colours, as they may contain unhealthy materials. White or 'uncoloured' will work best.

I've also used cable-ties instead of silicon to attach bits of material to each other. Drill holes in edges or corners, and tie together with the cable-ties.

Btw, DO NOT use the silicon that you get in DIY shops, it usually contains additives that aren't good for the fish, like fungicides to preven mould, etc.

--
Mats