Everyday Items Used as Aquarium Decoration

[FallenAngel]

I am setting up another aquarium, and instead of spending a lot of money (as I have in the past) I was going to use items around the house to decorate. I was wondering how I can tell if it is safe for the fish or toxic?I included some pictures of items I found and I'm also thinking about using some of the "fairy garden" figurines found at nurseries. Any thoughts on this?

 

[FallenAngel]

Here's the pics again, they didn't upload the first time.


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[Chaik]

They're not safe


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[FallenAngel]

Alright, I'm glad I asked then. I may go ahead and bite the bullet and order actual decorations online. Do you know of any dealers or stores online that have low prices?


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[ptray]

If you use a seller they can be ok. I believe it is made by krylon. But that may not be a risk you want to take

 

[FallenAngel]

I really like the mushroom but I'd rather just get things I know are safe than risk fish because I think one decoration is prettier than another. Thanks for the help


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[Pleco1st]

They're not safe


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Why aren't they safe?

 

[FallenAngel]

I believe some of them contain paint toxic to fish but I'm not sure how to tell which do, and which don't.


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[azmodan]

How about going on a hike and looking for neat rocks or pieces of driftwood? I find myself constantly on the lookout whenever I'm in nature.

 

[FallenAngel]

That's actually not a bad idea, how do you sanitize the driftwood?


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[azmodan]

Boiling it is the easiest. Some driftwood releases tannins into your water which is harmless but can give your water a slight tea color. Mostly I'd just avoid obtaining DW from anywhere where pesticides may have been used. Here's a good article on preparing wood/rocks for your tank: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/introduction-adding-decor-aquarium/

 

[FallenAngel]

Thanks again!


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