I am purchasing a 30 gal tank on Sunday and I have a question about decor. I have seen many pics here of people with terra cotta pots in their tank. I think they look beautiful in the tanks and would like to get maybe two small ones for my own. However, I have also read where you should not have hollow ornaments in the tank because of bacteria build-up. I plan on tipping the pots over on their side; sort of like a hidey hole. Any suggestions? Also, if I do get them, how do you sterilize them to go in the tank, or do you have to do that? I want to be very careful with decor because of my moor. I know they don't have the best eye sight and I don't want him getting hurt on anything. There will only be two fish in the tank, my moor and my goldie. Thanks!

Hi Nickie!

I asked Trinket almost the same identical question a few weeks ago. I have 2 small terra-cotta pots in the tank w/silk flowers and marbles holding them in. What she told me was that they are considered a hollow ornament, although a lot of people use them. She stressed that if you are going to use them, you have to be committed to cleaning them out every time you do a water change. Really, really scrubbing them out. I haven't had any problems with mine so far, but they are just temporary until the tank gets cycled. I hated to fix the tank up really nice with never knowing when I'd have to tear it down for a 50 or 100% water change. Its almost time now, though!

Thanks, Vickielm! Did you sterilize them before you put them in the tank? Why are your's only temporary? Do you have any pics of your tank on the board anywhere that I could see?

That's awesome Nickie! Congrats! Don't forget to show us when you get your fish in it, and don't forget that you will have to go through the whole cycling process again.

I have a couple of pictures I posted a few weeks back...I think they're in the "My Fantail is Turning Black" thread in Discussions and Diagnoses. They're only temporary because after the tank is finished cycling, I want to put more permanent decorations in that I don't have to remove and clean every other day. Koko says that they really are considered a hollow ornament and can cause problems with goldfish because they hold stagnant water. If I can figure out putting an airstone in them, though, I'll keep them because they really do look nice. No, I didn't sterilize them, just cleaned them thoroughly with vinegar and water as I was afraid to use detergent because they are porous.

Good luck setting up your new tank, and post pics because we would love to see it. You will love the tank!

ps-I remember now that Daryl said you can seal them with rocks or marbles in them to keep them from being hollow. She said you can use aquarium sealer to make them solid. I may keep them and do just that!

I am certainly dreading the cycling process! I am SO afraid that I will mess something up and then my fish will get sick or die! I have read up on cycling and I am going to have to cycle it with the fish in the tank, as they really need more room. I am just going to be very careful and check my water often. BTW, when cycling, how many times a day do I need to check the water?

Well, I certainly don't want to add anything that could make my fish sick, so I may just leave them out, or at least use them for some silk plants and fill them with marbles or something to keep them from being hollow. I will posts pics asap!

I'd check twice a day for the first week, and then go from there.....don't worry, you'll be an old pro in no time!!

Thanks Lola! I don't know about the "pro" part, but if I can get it cycled w/out harming my fish, I will be VERY happy! You know, it is so funny, but I never thought I would or COULD get attached to fish like I have! I have had my fish since August and I absolutely love them! My hubbie does not quite understand that I think of them as my PETS, just like our cats we have. I talk to them and they look at me and swim to me for food...I know it would hurt to lose them. I have been very lucky so far as the only thing that I have had to deal with as far as them getting sick is Jaws' sbd. Fortunately, RYUU told me about Pro-Gold pellets and I order him some from GF Connection and the sbd has never occured since then! Thank again for your support, and you too, Vickie!!!!

You're very welcome, Nickie!
Its funny you say that about getting attached to fish. I never knew how attached I was to Moby until he got so ill from the medication they gave me at the lfs for fungus that he never had. Then when he turned black from the ammonia burns, I just cried my eyes out. I couldn't believe he was so ill and it was all my fault.Every time I looked at him it broke my heart. Thats when I found this forum and asked for help. I watched how the white comet stayed so close to him, nudging him and sometimes covering him with her tail, and thats how she got the name Florence as in Nightingale.

I just adore them both and love watching them swim and play in the much bigger tank. Moby was so ill, and I guess doing all of this to make him better and give them both a better home has bonded me with them. They do have personalities, and so do dogs, cats, and birds, so they are also pets!