How to Make a Cave Out of Inverted Glass Jar for Kribensis

Kribensis easily form pair bonds and spawn readily if you provide the proper conditions for them. These cichlids prefer to spawn in caves, and may refuse to do so without one. They are private and shy when it comes to personal matters and like to remain hidden during reproductive activity. Many home aquarists give their kribensis an old clay flower pots for spawning, which the fish typically find acceptable. If you̵7;re a little fussier about appearances, make your own spawning cave. Use an empty glass jar and customize it to complement your aquarium decor on the cheap.

Things You'll Need

  • Empty glass jar
  • Household bleach
  • Smooth polished craft rocks
  • Aquarium silicone
  • Aquarium plants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash an empty glass jar thoroughly. Add 1 cup of household bleach to a gallon of water and soak the jar in the solution for 24 hours. Rinse it well with hot running water. Drain the jar and air dry it thoroughly.

    • 2

      Flip the glass jar upside down. Glue a smooth polished craft rock to the center of the bottom with aquarium silicone. Surround it with a tight circle of rocks. Keep them as close together as you can to provide a solid covering of decorative rock.

    • 3

      Cover the entire outer surface of the jar with rocks. Leave the threaded top uncovered. Allow the silicone to dry thoroughly.

    • 4

      Submerge the spawning cave in the aquarium. Invert it and allow it to fill completely with water.

    • 5

      Push one side of the threaded lip of the jar into the substrate. Tilt the jar at an angle to create an opening between it and the substrate so the kribensis pair can enter the cave comfortably.

    • 6

      Reposition the cave to rest the side of the bottom of the jar against the aquarium glass if you need more stability. This prevents the cave from rocking.