pvc tubes... how do i prep them for the tank for loaches?

[poeticpyro]

how do i prep pvc pipe for loaches? i'd love to add extra caves and i know that's a good way.. also pots? just help me with how to help these little babies... thanks everyone.

[Mark in Vancouver]

For pvc, make sure it's wide enough that your biggest loach won't get trapped inside. Use a very fine sandpaper and make sure that any edges are TOTALLY smooth. Other than that, you should probably wash it with a dish detergent to remove any oils and rinse it really well in several changes of water.

As for pots - I've used small terracotta pots that can be laid sideways, half full of substrate. Buy new ones for this purpose: don't use pots that have had plants in them because you won't know what was in the soil or on the plant when it was bought... fertilizers and insecticides will leach into the clay and then out into your tank water.

[poeticpyro]

thanks!
i think i'm going to go the pot route... it seems easier and definately more eye pleasing... i'm going to eventually move all loaches into either a 50 gal or a 60 gal.. whatever i can afford...

[Mark in Vancouver]

If you're going to upsize your tank, the rule is (believe me) go with the absolute biggest size you can afford at the time. You'll be glad you did. Sizing up bit by bit is frustrating, and you end up with a lot of extra tanks - and you end up with a lot of work. I have five tanks and I'm wishing I had fewer.

Garden stores will sell you the small 3 or 5 inch pots for 50 cents. If you go this route, you should submerge the terracotta in water overnight or longer. The clay absorbs a whole lot of water and you want them clean after all.

They usually have one drainage hole at the bottom, which can have sharp edges. Smaller loaches have been known to get caught in these. On these small pots, you might consider plugging the drainage holes up with aquarium safe sealant. You can get this at the aquarium shops, but the drag is you have to let it set for 48 hours. Some people have affixed a marble to the hole to block larger pots with larger drainage holes.

Be patient when you're setting up a new tank. Plan it out and then plan it out differently. If you rush it, you'll need to change it. What all new tanks need is a period to settle and adjust.

Sort of wandered off there, but I'm envious that you have a bigger tank in your future.

[Erik]

Depends on what you want. I have brushed them with either epoxy or silicone and rolled them in some Dry substrate the same as the tank they are going in. It adds a nice camouflage look. Another option is to take some mopani wood and drill some 1 inch holes into it.
Erik
here's an example. Btw he was sleeping.

how do i prep pvc pipe for loaches? i'd love to add extra caves and i know that's a good way.. also pots? just help me with how to help these little babies... thanks everyone.

[poeticpyro]

did you use normal sillicon?

[Erik]

Yes I used in fact home hardware brand silicone that is stated to be aquarium safe. Comes in those 300ml contracter tubes 3 for 9.99
Erik