I am looking to both plant some plants in the pots and also use smashed ones for hideouts for fish.What have been your experiences using ceramic pots for planting?orWhat have been your experiences using them as hideouts?
My ciclids would love them as a hideout. I would probally use them if I didn't have so many rocks to make caves. You can't force your fish to use it - but chances are if your fish like to hide, they would like them. Just make sure to bury any rough edges in the gravel so the fish don't get hurt or sand the edges smooth. You can use new ones and bury them halfway (more or less) in the gravel to make smaller caves. A lot of people use clay pots for their plants so they can move the plants as needed - or simply to put a different planting material in the pots and gravel in the rest of the aquarium.
I use it as a hide away for my fish in my 100 gal, the fish themselves really aren't that interested though because I have a huge piece of driftwood in there and they seem to prefer it more. Ceramic pots are good hide aways though, a few of my fish and shrimp use it. I'm thinking of putting one in my 55 gallon pet tank to see how Jackie(a jack demsey) reacts to it.
I have never used ceramic pots in my aquariums but I do use clay pots. I have grown plants in pots but sometimes their roots will seep through the pot (in the little holes on the bottom). I really don't like the look, but that's up to you. However, my fish LOVE hiding in smashed pots. I actually use broken ones from outside. (I clean them before I put them in my tank) and if you have catfish or loaches I find they especially like it. If you have fish bullys in your aquarium then pots are great for the little ones to get away. I think it also makes the tank more eye-catching and unique. Good luck!!
