Wanted: Pleco Caves or Ceramic Pipe.

Hi Guys

any ideas where I can get pleco caves or ceramic pipe in SA. Seem they don't exists on the internet in SA. Though of buying clay and making it my self, but seems to much of a mission.

TIA

 

Surely you could get pipe at a builders or Leroy Merlin..

 

Get a pvc pipe and an end cap. It works.

 

yes, but I cannot find ceramic, the Plecos are not keen on PVC or Glass, I tried both. They prefer a natural substance i order to get them to spawn. I got them to spawn with a little cave made from from rocks, piled on top of each other, but its not ideal.

 

Use clay pot and grind it in half.

 

I have used coconut shells with good results and currently have a spawn in one. I have several sizes of caves from ceramic, to wood but it seems the prefer the coconuts. The seem to like how tight the cave is as it is easier to defend and keep clean. The caves don't last forever but that particular cave has been in the tank for around 2 years. Just be sure to clean of all the husk and coconut to avoid any rot or mess in the tank.

 

I also struggled to find ceramic caves. Went to a pottery supply shop, bought the clay, made lots of caves, left them to dry for a week, took them back to the pottery shop and they got one of their customers to fire them for me. Was a very easy process.

 

Bought pleco caves from Amazon a while ago. Also tried making some from slate tiles but not with great success. But, you can also try bamboo after soaking it for a while. Bred, super reds, red lizzards and clown plecos in bamboo caves....

 

Hey, an idea for this would be hanging wall planters...not perfect but might work
https://www.theredmudhut.co.uk/blog/wall-planters/
Most gardening centres should have them

 

I chopped a plastic plant pot in half to make 2 caves:

 

this thread has made me start thinking
never crossed my mind to make my own clay cave. many year have passed since std7 art class but i seem to remember clay pottery was not that hadr (famous last words lol)

 

They are THE EASIEST thing in the world to make at home - and quite therapeutic !!!

 

Ok thanks guys, I guess thats yet another project to add to the list....and the list just keeps on growing! LOL

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To make pottery you'll need a kiln. Bet discus breeders would like some cones as well.

 

please give me some advise @eros111
any special clay that need to be used?
can i use oven to fire the the clay?