Equipment Review and Discussion :: Please Help!!! Can you put ceramics in the water?

[RiverChubbs]

My husband makes pottery and I have been asking him to make a cave or even some type of Decoration for the new turtle tank. We just don't know if it is truley safe to put into the water with them. It will not be painted or glazed or anything and it is just the gray clay and then he fires it so it stays hard.

Is it safe to put pottery, fired clay in the water with the turltes? We could get pretty creative if it was. I assume so cause clay is natural in lots of lakes and nature. Etc...and they also sell fish tank decprationds with this...but please let me know your thoghts! Thanks.

[steve]

I think it should be alright. I sometimes wish I took a sculpture class in school because I would also have created some interesting things for my turtles

[Pizza]

After you fire it in a kiln or oven or whatever, you may want to check and dust off any small bits or dust on it, so it doesn't dirty the water or your turtles can't break small pieces off and eat them.

[RiverChubbs]

Ok Thanks guys.

[rocketright]

Just make sure it has no non waterprooof paint!

[Turtle addict]

I use ceramic roof tiles as cave in mine and they are fine. Good idea to make things like that! I have been doing the floor grout thing and that works also for those that can't make the ceramic. Just get styrofoam and shape it to what yuo want then cover it in whatever color floor grout you want and waterproof seal it.

I would soak whichever one in water for awhile, changing it daily to make sure nothing comes off in the tank.

[RiverChubbs]

Wow that sounds really neat. And do these decorations float or sink? Do you have any pics by chance? You could send me a link, if you like. Thanks!

[Turtle addict]

They float, I use them for bowls and fake rocks mostly. Finding the correct size bowl for land ones that match the cages is hard. I will get pics on, gotta go get some!

[marisa]

What "ingredients" go into the making of the pottery?

[RiverChubbs]

Just clay and propane to create the fire