Thoughts on ceramic caves for tang?

dangros · May 8, 2016

Anyone have any thoughts on the following? I'm considering getting ceramic caves used for ciclids in order to provide more hiding spots behind my rockwork. Specifically, for a tang I'm about to get in a couple days.
Here's an example of what I'm considering. http://www.amazon.com/Up-Aqua-Cichl..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=05RY07H9034R56GKDXFV

I know it wont look great compared to the regular live rock but it will be in the back and eventually encrust with coraline.

dangros · May 8, 2016

bump?

revhtree · May 9, 2016

Bump!

dangros · May 9, 2016

I guess this is usually not done in salt water. I will likely give it a try. You can never have too many hiding places. As long as it doesn't impact the water chemistry!

choff · May 9, 2016

Personally, I wouldn't. It doesn't say safe for SW and not all ceramic is SW safe. You have no idea what could leach out of that. Better safe than sorry

tj w · May 9, 2016

Usually the holes are pretty small with the ceramic pieces. Other than that issue I wouldn't think you would have any other problems.

dangros · May 9, 2016

That is a good point although some products state that they are inert or "doesn't affect pH" but that could be in fresh water only.
The whole point of the exercise is to be SAFE since some live rock tends to have hitchhikers, etc. I guess I can just get some dry rock and drill caves but that's more work and can shatter

JackDE · May 9, 2016

I have a large piece of large rock that I am saving for my next tank that I am thinking of drilling a hole in for a large cave. I think that's a great idea.

choff · May 9, 2016

try Scott @alternative reef, 'The coral dudes' who distribute for Aric @Aric. These guys are all on R2R and if you want something ceramic and 100% reef safe I'd reach out these guys to make you something. They do great work and something you will want to display in your tank.

renato120 · May 9, 2016

This Is perfect for my tang. But my eel would not Let this happen. She would take this cave in no time

dangros · May 13, 2016

renato120 said:
This Is perfect for my tang. But my eel would not Let this happen. She would take this cave in no time

So get 2 or 3?

dangros · Mar 10, 2018

I ended up doing this. I got 2 caves: https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3753+4856+4858+4874&pcatid=4874
I used a Dremel tool to increase the existing hole size and to add another hole for a back door - theoretically allowing more flow to prevent too much sentiment build up. They've been in the tank for a few months now and I have to say that it's worth it. Once the coralline covered the 2 rocks, it looked pretty good. The tangs are happy.