How to Make Safe Aquarium Terracotta Caves

Terracotta pots are a great way to add caves to an aquarium. Adding different sizes and heights can give your fish places to play and hide. However, it is important to create these caves safely so that the fish do not get hurt swimming in and out of them.

Things You'll Need

  • Terracotta pots
  • Electric drill with concrete bit
  • Rotary drill with grinding stone bit
  • Non-toxic silicone
  • Lexan or plastic (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1
      Electric drill

      Secure your terracotta pot so that it can not move. Using your drill and concrete bit, make small holes into the side of the pot. Eventually, the small holes will cave in to create a larger hole. This will create your opening in the terracotta pot. Wetting the pot before drilling will help keep the dust down.

    • 2
      Rotary tool

      Round out the rough edges with the rotary tool and grinding stone bit. This will prevent the fish from cutting itself when entering and leaving the terracotta pot.

    • 3

      Add a bottom to your terracotta pot if you would like. Place the pot on the sheet of plastic and trace around the edges with a pencil. Cut the shape out and secure it to the bottom of the pot using non-toxic silicone. Let the silicone cure.

    • 4
      Use your kitchen sink to wash your pot.

      Wash the pot using hot water. The terracotta pot can now be used as a cave in your aquarium.