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Old April 25th 06, 10:44 AM posted to rec.crafts.pottery
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Default Making clay caves for aquarium fish...

wrote in message
roups.com...
Hello,
I'm an aquarist, and many fish like to live or breed in shelters,
referred to as 'caves'.
Normally shattered plant-pots or terracotta tubes are used, like
this...
http://www.planetcatfish.com/images/...sc/sw/hz/7.jpg
...but it would be very useful to be able to make 'custom' caves for
the fish.

When I've looked in to this in the past, the need to use a kiln has put
me off, but now I see there's air-drying clays, as well as low-fire
clays and polymer clays you can fire in your household oven.

My questions a are air-drying/low-firing clays or polymer clays
non-toxic after firing, and would they survive (ie not fall to pieces)
if kept constantly in water for several years?



From experience, I would opt for fired clay, the higher temperature the
better, rather than anything else. Air dried clays are not, in my
experience, water resistant, and I would avoid anything that cold cures
because of possible chemical release.

I used to make pieces for a local aquarium shop, and we found that the
safest option was cone 8/9 stoneware, as it is largely resistant to any
contamination. Porous materials aren't!

Steve
Bath
UK
--
Steve Mills
Bath
UK
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