kind tile for clowns?

[TamiW]

six months ago, my ocellaris clowns stopped spawning when the female decided she didn't like the fake coral they were using and threw it across the tank. (As in "get that think out of here, I don't even want to see it anymore). I tried replacing it a few times, and it always ends up getting moved away.

I haven't bothered to do too much since then because work has been hectic. But I noticed that a large bubble algae popped up in their nest area, and they immediately started cleaning it, only to pop it. I think they're trying to tell me they want something smoother.

So, I guess its time to get a tile. THe reason I have waited is because I'm afraid of getting on that has toxic chemicals. I can't use a flower pot because of where their nest site is located. Any suggestions on what type of tile I should be looking for? And any special way to treat it before putting it in the tank?

 

[olin]

Regular ceramic tiles are fine, but I like to soak them in freshwater for a few days, changing the water every now and then, followed by a couple of days in saltwater. At least that's what I do ideally. I've also rinsed them under a tap for a few minutes, then put them into salt for about an hour, then right in without any adverse efects.

 

[agarza]

That's right, regular ceramic will do the trick, just, as said by olin, "cure" it for a few days in fresh and then salt water and check PH.

 

[TamiW]

So glaze is okay? My fear was if I got the wrong kind of glaze, it would release toxins into the water.

 

[Nagel]

I use glazed tiles, though I put them with the smooth side down. The clowns will prefer the rougher, underside of the tile in my experience..

I cure as above. 3-4 days in FW, 3-4 days in SW, then you are ready to go. I also keep extras on hand, basically a second tile for every one thats in use, so on the night of hatching, I pull the tile with eggs and immediately replace it with the spare tile. Clowns can get a bit disgruntled if you just remove their tile without replacing it.

 

[TamiW]

I picked up two different kinds at home depot. Would like to get opinions on if they would be okay:

I would prefer to use the one on the far left. Its almost like a cross between brick and terra cotta. Just because it wouldn't look so stark like the glazed tiles on the left.

Any thoughts?

 

[Kathy55g]

They will all do fine as long as a reasonably rough side faces out. If the one on the left is not slick, you can use it as is. The one in the middle will have to be turned over. The one on the right is already turned over.

 

[agarza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7092637#post7092637 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kathy55g
They will all do fine as long as a reasonably rough side faces out. If the one on the left is not slick, you can use it as is. The one in the middle will have to be turned over. The one on the right is already turned over.

What Kathy55g said .

I say go with the one on the left.

 

[ediaz]

All tiles have a rough side/smooth side, I will go with the one "el carnal" suggested , the one on the left, if you have enough water in the tanks curing is not necesary. Mine, sometimes, the barcode detaches in the tank. Go for the 5 tile aproach, with one they migth still choose any other available substrate.

Ed

 

[Nagel]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7091968#post7091968 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FishGrrl
Just because it wouldn't look so stark like the glazed tiles on the left.

Also, given a month or two in your reef system they start to take on coralline algea anyway. My tiles are 50% purple now anyways..

 

[FishnWishn]

I have accidently dropped a couple of my wifes terracotta flower pots, then I take a hammer and chisel a few 4"x3" pieces. The curve makes it easier to lay on top of a rock or the sand. It is much more difficult for the female to move or flip over so she accepts it alot faster. I make sure I have a couple more pieces shaped about the same and stored either in my sump or hidden behind the rockwork.