Decorative Caves for Dwarf Cichlids

[benny]

Following from this thread about Apistogramma sp. 'Jura II'

That's the cave from Starpet, the Japanese aquarium decoration company. I don't think their products are distributed in Singapore. Can't seem to find them here. Perhaps yorky can get them for you from Japan.

I like them because they are open at the bottom and most of all, very natural looking. Good for cichlids and catfishes as they come in various sizes.

Cheers,

Nic,

Following from the above, here's a front and back view of the "cave"



Cheers,

[Wackytpt]

Nic,

Following from the above, here's a front and back view of the "cave"



Cheers,

very nice.. this cave look good for a rock planted scape

[benetay]

Anybody here tried the cave before as a breeding media? Apparently i think it look good but not sure if it's good for breeding. Have to try on them before can come out with a conclusion.

[stormhawk]

Bene,

Like what Benny says, they're not available in SG so its difficult for most of us to say if it works. It looks good nonetheless and I'd love to have one just for kicks... provided the price is good too lah.

On the topic, I think a halved coconut husk "camouflaged" with mosses and ferns would do just as good a job as any artificial cave. I had decent results with these "camo" coco-husks.

[benetay]

I agree, they look good, feels good too...most importantly the fishes love it too. I've tired using coco & invert them works too!

[lwm999]

Hi, any chance to show a picture of the coconut cave?
Thanks.

[stormhawk]

lwm999, I did take a pic of one of the coco-husk caves some time ago but am not sure where I stored the image. I'll post it when I find it.

[Wackytpt]

Here's a happy home owner..




Hope you guys add more

[benny]

Actually, the rock caves from Starpet comes in 3 sizes.



For species such as Nannancara adoketa, I think the M size caves are more suitable.

Cheers,

[benny]

Here's another type from Starpet.



The lung red series, but not (HG - High Grade) type. In my opinion, these are more for larger cichlids and plecos.

Cheers,

[Justikanz]

Hey, the smaller ones are also good for badis/darios, medium ones for loaches and larger ones for crayfishes, besdes the dwarf cichlids... Hmm... Interesting... Can also get one (if available) for my land hermits...

[Simon]

Benny, are these available locally?

[benny]

Benny, are these available locally?

Unfortunately not. Given their prices, I doubt they will be popular.

To be honest, I do think that their workmanship is excellent and the details are realistic. It is explicitly written (albeit in Japanese) on their label that it is safe for aquarium fishes, reptiles and amphibians.

Cheers,

[yorky]

Saw it at Aquaforest.. the M size one.. thought it was for reptiles as per the picture.. haha..
Benny, I wonder how much it costs in HK?

[benny]

Saw it at Aquaforest.. the M size one.. thought it was for reptiles as per the picture.. haha..
Benny, I wonder how much it costs in HK?

Yes. the word herp craft on the label is misleading. And it has no fish pictures. But if you flip the label over, you will see that it's also suitable for fishes in aquariums.

If I recall correctly, no difference in prices from Japan when you source for it in HK. But there are a lot of Chinese "copies". Heavier and lower in quality.

Remember the sponge filter Fung was trying to bring in from Japan, in the end I believe it was more expensive in HK.

Cheers,

[benny]

Was wondering...

I thought these were a common sight a few years back. Don't seem to see them around these days.



Anyone knows where do they sell them? These would fit even an adult Nannacara adoketa

Cheers,

[benny]

Here's another one from starpet...



This is the S size catus shelter.

Here's a picture of a Nannacara adoketa with the same shelter.



Cheers,

[Wackytpt]

Arhh... Benny... I wish singapore has them. These look so natural and able to fit in a planted scape.

[benny]

Arhh... Benny... I wish singapore has them. These look so natural and able to fit in a planted scape.

I think we used to be able to buy the clay ones. Well at least you saw the rectangular version at the now defuncted Choong Sua Aquarium.

Was told that miniature clay flower pots works very well too.

Cheers,

[augi_ow]

hi i saw some artificial wood at clementi, its made up of fibreglass. If i never remember wrongly, they have rocks too but they don't come cheap. A small piece of artificial wood cost about $40. The fish shop is near Singapore Women's clinic at Clementi. The signboard of the fish shop is blue in colour. The shop is in front of a street soccer court. I'm very sure about the wood part but rocks not really very sure, ya can try your luck though.