Decorating Your Aquarium With Cinderblocks

Cinderblocks are cheap and readily available, and if you use them properly, they can make an excellent contribution to your fish’s home, providing shade and hiding spots, as well as great place for plants to latch onto.

To begin, go to your local hardware store or lumber yard and pick your bricks. Peruse their selection and choose a design and size of your liking. Make sure to measure your tank carefully and choose cinderblocks that will adequately fit your tank.

Next, layer your aquarium with a semi-thick to thick layer of substrate. Do not place the cinderblocks on bare glass. The rough texture of the blocks combined with their substantial weight can crack glass if moved or placed improperly.

If your blocks are too large, or if you just want your tank to have a more rugged look, use a hammer to break off chunks of the block. Place the cinderblock on a hard, firm surface, and use a hammer to slowly chip away at the cement until you reach the desired shape. Do not strike the brick center mass or with too much force or you will create large cracks running through the entire block or you will break it outright. 

Before placing them in your aquarium, make sure to rinse your cinderblocks to eliminate any dirt they might have collected and rid them of excess dust that may have been released when you shaped them with your hammer.

Place your bricks in the aquarium on top of the substrate. When placing them, be sure not to scratch the sides of your aquarium. If you are using multiple blocks, stack them in such a way that they won’t be moved when you fill the tank, and that your fish can’t knock them over. Also, place them in such a way that they create hiding spots for your fish. 

Finally, when everything is in place, including your plants and other aquarium supplies, slowly fill the tank with water and add your fish. Now they will have plenty of hiding spots and a nifty new tank setup.

For more advice on fish care, visit Fish Flats

http://fishflats.blogspot.com/