I know this sounds weird, but my friend (who works in a university marine lab and is experienced with fish) and I thought it would be cool and unique to have our next aquarium decorated with colorful and unique dishes. We'd buy good-quality ceramic plates, bowls, mugs, etc. We were also thinking of adding some interesting glasses, like a martini or wine glass (although we'd obviously have to be really careful not to break them during water changes, etc.). Will these items (the ceramics) hold up underwater or will they release anything unhealthy into the tank? We know that algae-eaters (plecos) like wood in their tanks because they grow algae well, so I was thinking we could add a wooden spoon or two. Does anyone know if store-bought wooden spoons are treated with anything that could be dangerous in an aquarium? Any other concerns/problems/suggestions would be welcomed!
Test your items before putting them in the tank. Put aside some tank water and test the PH. Remember this number. Put in an object you want to test after it's been scrubbed down. Once a week has passed inspect the object. Has any paint come off? Does it look strange? Test the PH again. Has the number changed dramatically?
I bring the reusable bags Because the plastic bags are not decomposable and even if you buy it they say the money goes somewhere good, but it goes right in their pockets.
I don't. I usually brings my own bag and cart. I chose it because I hate have collections of plastic bags sitting in my home and paper bag is not so strong.
Nice to read your question, as I have been doing a similar thing - I am setting up a four foot tank, using square ceramic bowls as tank decor. I don't have any expert advice though. Glass I think would be the safest. What someone else said about wood being treated sounds plausible though. I must admit I've just put the bowls in, with some hardy little fish, and have had no problems so far (after a week or two). If the 'dry foot' issue is a concern, you could paint the unglazed are with polyurethane varnish. (the aquarium books always tell you to paint things with polyurethane varnish, although I have never done it.) Good luck with it all!
Ceramics that are dry footed cannot or should not be added to a fishtank. Dry foot means there is a spot, usually on the bottom which does not contain the glaze and is a rough gray or white ring, usually. These should not go into a tank. Some ceramics still contain leads and yes they will leach. Items that are not dryfooted and have no cracks are fine. Glass is fine for the aquarium. Wooden items as well do well in aquariums. If used in the kithen prior to placing in the tank, be sure to wash well and rinse in dechlored water. (chances are you will have to anchor these down. They will float.) Some cheap items will split from the water once they have become logged. Store bought wooden spoon do not contain any toxic substances. Metals should remain out of the tank unless it is silver or gold. (won't leach) Other than that your are good to go.
