Using Slate Tile to make caves

[Aqualady40]

Hello all....Question, has anyone used slate tile to create caves? If so, what steps did you take before putting into tank?

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Just wash it with hot water. Here is a link about decor
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/introduction-adding-decor-aquarium/

 

[Chiroptera]

Yes, just wash it. If you want to adhere it together you can use aquarium-friendly silicone sealant.

 

[Aqualady40]

okay thank you both.....also, how do I smooth the sharp edges? Thought to use silicone to smooth over it however trying to avoid using too much silicone....please suggestions are definitely welcome...don't have special tools

 

[Jess1ca]

okay thank you both.....also, how do I smooth the sharp edges? Thought to use silicone to smooth over it however trying to avoid using too much silicone....please suggestions are definitely welcome...don't have special tools

Hi! I did this in my 55 Mixed African tank, I use silicone to glue them together. I washed them with vinegar water first then boiled water in a pan and poured it overtop. I used another piece of slate to sand down the edges... Hope this helped!

 

[jetajockey]

You could just use some good sandpaper, but it's definitely some work. If the edges aren't prominent you could just silicone over them instead. I wouldnt' worry about overdoing the silicone, as long as it's aquarium safe it's not going to hurt anything.

 

[Aqualady40]

Hi! I did this in my 55 Mixed African tank, I use silicone to glue them together. I washed them with vinegar water first then boiled water in a pan and poured it overtop. I used another piece of slate to sand down the edges... Hope this helped!

Beautiful tank and thank you very much for that idea to smooth with another piece...bravo

 

[Jess1ca]

Beautiful tank and thank you very much for that idea to smooth with another piece...bravo

Thank you! No problem

 

[Aqualady40]

Hi! I did this in my 55 Mixed African tank, I use silicone to glue them together. I washed them with vinegar water first then boiled water in a pan and poured it overtop. I used another piece of slate to sand down the edges... Hope this helped!

also I love the ones that have the holes in them...where you get them?

 

[Jess1ca]

also I love the ones that have the holes in them...where you get them?

You can get them on eBay, I found that one at an awesome Lfs about 2 hours away from me, it was 3.99 a lb, that piece cost me $25 but I couldn't live without it lol.

 

[Convict2161]

The stones with the holes in them are called Cichlid stones.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21383

 

[Borderlesscott]

Check there is no Pyrite in the slate as it can lead to problems, it looks like little metal cubes in the slate.

 

[Jess1ca]

The stones with the holes in them are called Cichlid stones.

Aquarium Decorations and Ornaments: Underwater Galleries Cichlid Stones | DrsFosterSmith.com

Haha! Thought she was talkin bout the Texas holey rock! Leave it to me

 

[Aqualady40]

The stones with the holes in them are called Cichlid stones.

Aquarium Decorations and Ornaments: Underwater Galleries Cichlid Stones | DrsFosterSmith.com

Okay thank you

 

[Aqualady40]

Haha! Thought she was talkin bout the Texas holey rock! Leave it to me

You are silly