now do i just leave it white?should i color it..LOL...IS it better just leaving it how it is?and how londg do i wait till i can put it in do i boil it?
2007-07-25 12:35:09 · 4 answers · asked by cichlid south american 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Leaving it white is the easiest. I've also seen where people have coated the outer surfaces with aquarium-safe silicon and glued aquarium gravel to the outside.
I woun't think boiling is necessary, just rinse the pieces well under hot water before adding them to the tank, The PVC isn't porous, so anything on the outer surface will just rinse off.
If you leave it white, you can add it as soon as you have it cut to length. If you use the silicon to glue on gravel, I'd wait 24 hours for the silicon to set up (or read the directions on the silicon tube, it should give you an approximate time till it's safe to use underwater).
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_pvc_cave.php
2007-07-25 12:45:00 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is no need to boil it unless you have exposed it to something nasty. I would not recommend painting it unless you properly prepare it. This would require sanding and water proof paint. PVC is used because it is cheap, lightweight, and it works. The only thing I would do is to remove any burrs or frizzles where the cuts are made. You can put it straight into your tank. Email me if you want to ask more specific questions about cichlids or pvc.
2007-07-25 19:41:53 · answer #2 · answered by fivespeed302 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I personally like the method Copperhead referred to of coating the PVC with silicone and rolling it in the gravel you will use in the tank. It blends in nicely and looks far better I think. So ditto to copperhead!
MM
2007-07-25 20:53:49 · answer #3 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pvc pipe in aquariums is common as white.
Their is no need to color it.
2007-07-25 20:15:01 · answer #4 · answered by Coral Reef Forum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋