Cichlid Tank DIY

[00rollins]

Cut some pvc down to the size and shape you like. Take some of your substrate and dry it out completely. Once the substrate is dry then coat the pvc cave in silicone and cover it in the dried sand/gravel. Let sit for a week or so to let the silicone dry. Voila...a DIY cave that matches your decor perfectly.

Variation of this, pond foam and eggcrate, create the rough shape of the cave w/ the ec then coat it with pf . Create the texture style you want with a knife carving the foam. Coat with your choice of substrate, instead of silicone use epoxy resin, its stronger easier to work with and will dry harder and is more durable

I used this method for creating a rocky sand bank to lift my3d bg,

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[00rollins]

Sorry for double post, but here some pics
Rock hard to the touch, ans will match with the sand for a uniform look 4.5 inches taller than the bottom, this will work great for natural looking caves
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[MatthewSiegel]

If this is a display tank in your home, I'd suggest going to a landscape supply place for red lava rock boulders or lace rock. Both are safe for fish, plants, inverts. The benefit of these rocks is that they are fairly easy to 'build' simple caves and other structures. The rocks seem to hold on to eachother and look a lot more natural than pots and pipes.

If this tank is not on display, but just for raising/breeding fish, the terra cotta and pvc options will work out just fine.