In my time as an aquarium hobbyist I have struggled with finding a visually appealing hide for large aquatic species that didn't cost an arm and a leg. I would hunt local pet shops for decorations to only find little dinky hides that maybe a beta could squeeze into. If I did find a hide (usually from an online site) that was the appropriate size it was often over 25 dollars. When you need more than one hide the cost adds up fast! So with some research, trial and error I created a simple and attractive hide for larger fish and other aquatic species.
What you need
1) PVC or ABS pipe in the desired diameter (this can even be a elbow or tee shape)
2) Krylon Fusion in desired color
3) Mineral spirits
4) Sand paper and/or a Dremel Tool
5) Eye protection, face mask and gloves
6) (optional) disposable gloves for painting
WARNING: Always wear eye and respiratory protection when sanding and spray painting. Also protect your hands with durable gloves when using a Dremel.
Steps
1) Find a suitable diameter and length of Pipe.
Take into consideration what kind of critter will be using this cave. How wide and tall is you fish? or how big will they be when fully grown? If you have a longer critter like an eel or even a salamander try a elbow or tee shaped pipe. I used a 4in. diameter sanitary tee that I got at ACE for 5 bucks.
2) Sand or Dremel any sharp areas
Feel you pipe for any sharp areas or sections. These can be seams left behind by the molding and casting process used to make the pipes and connectors. Using a large and medium grit sand paper, sand these seams and sharp edges to protect your aquatic buddies. You can speed the process up by using a Dremel and a sanding bit! Watch your hands when using the Dremel to prevent any accidents. This is step is critical if you are making this for fish with delicate fins, soft unarmored bellies or long feelers that can be easily damaged.
3)Prep your cave for paint
Follow the instructions on the side of your Krylon can for preparation. This will help insure your paint sticks and doesn't flake in the future. My can said to use a small amount of mineral spirits on a disposable rag (like a paper towel) and rub down the pipe where you intend to paint. Do this in a well ventilated area. I HIGHLY recommend wearing a pair of disposable gloves to protect your hands from the mineral spirits.
4) Time to paint!
Go to a well ventilated area and apply a few coats of paint. Refer to your can of spray paint on the recommended number of coats to apply and how to apply them. I always test a few sprays on a piece of cardboard to get a feel for how the paint applies. I used Krylon Fusion Hammered finish in the Choco color on the pipe pictured in this tutorial. With this finish its critical to get the first coat light and even for a nice look. Again I recommend using a pair of disposable gloves to keep the paint off your hands and speed up clean up time.
5) Let the paint cure/set
With Krylon Fusion, it is touchable after 1 hour. Next the paint needs to set for 7 days to fully cure before it can be submerged and be aquarium safe.
6) Weathering your Pipe (optional)
This step is purely cosmetic and optional. I took my Dremel with a sanding/cutting bit and created some notches, scrapes, cuts and dings in my pipe. I was inspired by some ceramic pipe caves I had seen on Dr. Foster and Smith and wanted to replicate the old sunken debris look (without paying 40 bucks).
here is a link if you are curious
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+6635+26987&pcatid=26987
Here is examples of the weathering (please forgive the green fuzzy pillow
)
7) Wash off your new cave and put it in the tank
Give your pipe a good wash under the faucet to remove any bits of dust and fragments from sanding and cutting. Finally set it in the tank and enjoy!
What you need
1) PVC or ABS pipe in the desired diameter (this can even be a elbow or tee shape)
2) Krylon Fusion in desired color
3) Mineral spirits
4) Sand paper and/or a Dremel Tool
5) Eye protection, face mask and gloves
6) (optional) disposable gloves for painting
WARNING: Always wear eye and respiratory protection when sanding and spray painting. Also protect your hands with durable gloves when using a Dremel.
Steps
1) Find a suitable diameter and length of Pipe.
Take into consideration what kind of critter will be using this cave. How wide and tall is you fish? or how big will they be when fully grown? If you have a longer critter like an eel or even a salamander try a elbow or tee shaped pipe. I used a 4in. diameter sanitary tee that I got at ACE for 5 bucks.
2) Sand or Dremel any sharp areas
Feel you pipe for any sharp areas or sections. These can be seams left behind by the molding and casting process used to make the pipes and connectors. Using a large and medium grit sand paper, sand these seams and sharp edges to protect your aquatic buddies. You can speed the process up by using a Dremel and a sanding bit! Watch your hands when using the Dremel to prevent any accidents. This is step is critical if you are making this for fish with delicate fins, soft unarmored bellies or long feelers that can be easily damaged.
3)Prep your cave for paint
Follow the instructions on the side of your Krylon can for preparation. This will help insure your paint sticks and doesn't flake in the future. My can said to use a small amount of mineral spirits on a disposable rag (like a paper towel) and rub down the pipe where you intend to paint. Do this in a well ventilated area. I HIGHLY recommend wearing a pair of disposable gloves to protect your hands from the mineral spirits.
4) Time to paint!
Go to a well ventilated area and apply a few coats of paint. Refer to your can of spray paint on the recommended number of coats to apply and how to apply them. I always test a few sprays on a piece of cardboard to get a feel for how the paint applies. I used Krylon Fusion Hammered finish in the Choco color on the pipe pictured in this tutorial. With this finish its critical to get the first coat light and even for a nice look. Again I recommend using a pair of disposable gloves to keep the paint off your hands and speed up clean up time.
5) Let the paint cure/set
With Krylon Fusion, it is touchable after 1 hour. Next the paint needs to set for 7 days to fully cure before it can be submerged and be aquarium safe.
6) Weathering your Pipe (optional)
This step is purely cosmetic and optional. I took my Dremel with a sanding/cutting bit and created some notches, scrapes, cuts and dings in my pipe. I was inspired by some ceramic pipe caves I had seen on Dr. Foster and Smith and wanted to replicate the old sunken debris look (without paying 40 bucks).
here is a link if you are curious
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+6635+26987&pcatid=26987
Here is examples of the weathering (please forgive the green fuzzy pillow
)7) Wash off your new cave and put it in the tank
Give your pipe a good wash under the faucet to remove any bits of dust and fragments from sanding and cutting. Finally set it in the tank and enjoy!
