DIY Coconut Hut

[Toirtis]

Wasn't sure if I should post this here (for the obvious reason) or in the lounge, since its so darned funny....

http://www.wsu.edu/~natsirt/coconut/index.html

 

[mattrox]

Very droll. I like it.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I would actually really like to make one of those. Do you think it's aquarium safe?

 

[crazycat]

if you do, you should totally document it!

 

[Jchillin]

Gosh...that seems so familiar. I wonder why?

 

[jrp1588]

lol, nice, I enjoyed it.

 

[Toirtis]

I would actually really like to make one of those. Do you think it's aquarium safe?

Quite....and bristlenose plecos love them....I have about 6 now.

 

[RoK]

Hahaha, that was great.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

That was totally cool. Loved it.....

 

[Skyrmir]

Hmm, I generally stay away from coconut decorative ideas. (I'm in south florida, there's only so many coconuts one can take) But I kinda like this idea. Might have to walk around the block once or twice to find one now.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Has someone made one of these before?

 

[Toirtis]

Has someone made one of these before?

Yeah, about 8....the coconut meat is a bit more difficult to remove than the pics would suggest, though....I used a woodcarving knife.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Wow, you've made them before Toirtis? Do you have any pics?

 

[Toirtis]

Wow, you've made them before Toirtis? Do you have any pics?

No pics, but mine look identical, except for more squarish doorways. One thing to note, though....drill a couple of holes into the top of each to allow air to escape when sinking them, and if you frind too much hairy fibre in the outsides, a wire brush will take it off pretty quickly.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Great tips! I may try to find a coconut this evening when I go to the grocery store. So the coconut does not have any adverse effects on the water parameters?

 

[Lepomis]

I found that a dremel with the cut off wheel attachemt works great to score the shell. Then a good tap on the ground or with a hammer results in a nice even break and two halves. I leave the coconut out on the countertop for a few days to let the meat dry out some and then take a kitchen spoon. At this point the meat has often began to pull away from the shell along the cut edges. Insert the spoon and it prys out in larger chunks. I haven't made it to the tank with them because my kids wanted them for bowls.

 

[jrp1588]

I would think a coconut shell would float...weird

 

[Fishyfanatic]

So definately make sure ALL coconut meat is removed? That's what I was wondering if the coconut meat would cause water problems if you couldn't get it all out. I've never worked with an actual coconut before so it'll be a whole new experience. I bet the Africans would love it!

 

[Toirtis]

Yes, any leftover meat will decompose in the tank, just like leftover fish food would. As far as the shell decomposing, I suppose it does in time, but several that I have been using for 3-4 years show no real signs of any decomp yet.

 

[Guest]

Im thinking that they would make good repitle hides!!! especially for my snakes...