Sculpey clay decorations

[Alyxx]

Am planning on making some clay terraces to make built up areas of sand in my new tank. I know sculpey is safe for aquarium use after it is oven cured, but are there any additional steps to make it safe? Should it be soaked in water for a while after it is dried?

 

[Alyxx]

Anyone? Is baking them enough to "cure" the pieces or do they need to be soaked and rinsed for a while?

 

[TheGuppyGirl]

Curing alone is probably good enough since the heat from the baking process should kill any germs. If you're really worried about it not being enough, spray it with vinegar and then let it soak in hot water overnight, then do a final rinse with hot water and it should be just fine. What brand of sculpey did you use?

 

[Ralphie126]

I saw this form and wondered, I have kultz clay which is polymer clay, is that aquarium safe to use for caves

 

[Alyxx]

Any polymer clay is safe. I used the same brand, I think. Started with a K.

 

[Ralphie126]

oh, but wont the colors mess with the ph?

 

[TheGuppyGirl]

I'm sure you can find some paints that are fish friendly. A little research won't hurt.

 

[Alyxx]

It doesn't matter what color the clay is, it's stable once baked. It shouldn't leach anything regardless of the color.

 

[TheGuppyGirl]

I just ordered about 2 lbs of sculpey myself and I'm thinking about making a DIY. Perhaps a coral bubbler. :3

 

[TheGuppyGirl]

Success!

 

[heyheyitsrae]

Oooh, pretty! Are you going to paint it?

Edit: sorry, my brain skipped over the coral bubbler part. That's so cool! Is there an airstone underneath attatched to the tubing or is it just the tubing? I'd love to see it set up in your tank!

 

[TheGuppyGirl]

It's just attached to the air tube and a connecter valve. And I would like to keep it white. If I ever find fish-friendly paint I may spruce it up a little, but for now it'll stay white.

 

[chrismiller21]

I probably already know the answer to this, but is this aquarium safe?
Polyform Sculpey Childrens Clay Activity Set - Glow in the Dark | Meijer.com
I want to let my kids build something for their 75 gallon tank. Would be awesome if they could glow when the lights go off lol.

 

[TheGuppyGirl]

I'm gonna take a shot in the dark and call it safe. If there is any sense of doubt, I would let it soak in a bucket of water for a day or so and then test the water for any chemicals after it has been baked of course. This is the best way to test the product without causing any potential harm to your fish.

 

[Derekkaine]

Id probably stay away from a oil based paint or water colours paint.

 

[AmoretteCadenza]

I've had the white cave in my glofish tank for about 2 months now and the only thing strange that I've noticed are little orange spots on it. All of my fish are fine, I used to have the decoration in with my cories, mollies, and guppies. Everyone is still healthy and happy. I've also made new decorations for my betta tank for shrimp to hide in. I've had no problems with it. I use the sculpey oven-bake clay. I would've painted them, but I have no idea what would work best in water...

 

[barbarpapa]

wow

this stuff looks great is any color safe

 

[AmoretteCadenza]

this stuff looks great is any color safe

Hm... Well I think as long as it's non toxic it should be fine. I've only tried the white.

 

[AmoretteCadenza]

Success!

This is super cool I'll have to try it too!

 

[Alyxx]

I've made a few things but haven't used them. Need to pick up more clay and make some stuff to actually use. I got a different brand and just don't trust it.