How to Build a Slate Stone Aquarium

Fish instinctively gravitate to rock caves, overhangs and other areas where they can seek shelter. Slate is the perfect material for crafting an aquarium habitat for your fish. This natural material is calcium-free, non-toxic and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Build your own slate stone aquarium habitat, and watch as your fish happily explore their new surroundings.

Things You'll Need

  • Slate pieces
  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Aquarium-grade silicone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place several irregular slate pieces in the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket.

    • 2

      Fill the bucket up to the brim with clean water and allow the slate to sit undisturbed for 24 hours.

    • 3

      Check the water after 24 hours. If the water is murky, pour off the old water, fill the bucket back up with clean water and allow it to sit for an additional 24 hours. If the water is clear, remove the slate from the bucket and allow it to dry thoroughly. Soaking your slate in advance ensures that all sediment can leach out before you introduce the rock to your fish's habitat.

    • 4

      Arrange the slate pieces on a flat, stable surface. Try to create pockets, caves, tunnels and other features which your fish will enjoy.

    • 5

      Apply a liberal layer of aquarium-grade silicone between each rock, following the manufacturer's instructions. Gluing your structure together ensures that it will not come crashing down in your fish tank.

    • 6

      Allow the silicone to dry for a minimum of 48 hours.

    • 7

      Place your slate habitat into a clean, dry, empty fish tank.

    • 8

      Add gravel substrate around the base of the slate to hold the rock in place.

    • 9

      Fill your tank with water and introduce your fish to its new home.