Working on my scheme for my new 55-gallon and had a few questions about decor materials. Let's just say that this will NOT be like your "normal" tank!! :-)

I know that rocks (that pass the vinegar test) are safe.
Glass is safe as long as it's smooth.

What about...

Plastic?
Terracotta pots?
Glazed ceramic?

Just wondering...

FTB

I don't know about glazed ceramic or plastic - never used those in the tanks except for fish safe plastic plants from the pet store. I do however have those plain brownish terra cotta pots in the tanks, and those do really well. Do you alrady have a "design" in mind?

I did assemble the tank today with all the decor (mostly glass, some terracotta, one glazed ceramic piece). River rocks are at the bottom (hooray for home depot! $3 for a huge bag!). I had to wash the rocks like crazy, which was fine because it gave me time to sort through and keep only the nice smooth ones and not any of the random jagged ones that could hurt my new fishies once I get them.

I know that pet stores sell plastic things to go into tanks (like the SpongeBob toys at Petsmart). I figure as long as the color is IN the plastic and not painted ON the plastic, it should be fine.

It looks really pretty right now! Getting my filters in the mail tomorrow or maybe Wednesday, latest. Gonna run those for about a day with some of my media from the established tank to get a jumpstart on the cycle.

I'm hoping to win Tank of the Month with this design, so I'm keeping pretty quiet about what it is, theme-wise. ;-)

All types of un-painted plastic are aquarium and fish safe.

I used things I found around my home to decorate. We are on a tight budget. Although, I acid tested my rocks. I would just make sure everything has nice smooth edges.

What is the vinegar test? I am cycling a 55 gal with decor, but I have a glazed ceramic pot broken in half (with the sharp sides down of course) in the tank. I am almost at the point where I can add my fishies, but if the pot has to go I want to find out before I put them in.

FishLady -

The test is to sprinkle vinegar on your rocks. If it fizzles, it's not good for the tank.

FTB