Are fake coconut hides aquarium safe?

[FyaNyan]

Hi!

I am setting up a breeding tank for BN plecos. I have two fake coconut hides I used to use for my leopard gecko when he was a baby. They are from PetSmart and can be found in the hermit crab/reptile section. Has anyone used these in aquariums? Are they safe?

Thanks

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

These huts are made from resin which most aquarium decor is also made of. I'd say as long as the color is IN the resin it should be fine- the only concern would be if it's painted the paint could come off with constant exposure to water. It may not even be an issue then but you take that chance. I've put a few things in my tank made of resin that weren't specifically made for aquariums and it's all turned out fine!

(Fish like plecos could also scrape the paint off, which I wouldn't like so much- I'd be concerned for them)

Edited April 16, 2022 by xXInkedPhoenixX

[FyaNyan]

On 4/15/2022 at 10:15 PM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:

I'd say as long as the color is IN the resin it should be fine- the only concern would be if it's painted the paint could come off with constant exposure to water.

Thanks! I will double check, but I don’t believe the paint is on the outside. Since it’s made for creatures that need moisture in their terrariums, it seems pretty water resistant, too. (It also sinks, so that’s good).

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

Yeah that's what makes me think it would be ok and if I saw anything funky go on with it I could remove it. 

[SJ fishing]

Hard to tell the size but it may be to big for plecos?   I think they like a fairly confined opening and cave

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

@SJ fishing per the website they are 3.5L X 1.25 W X 2.75 H, not very big.

Edited April 16, 2022 by xXInkedPhoenixX

[FyaNyan]

On 4/15/2022 at 10:29 PM, SJ fishing said:

Hard to tell the size but it may be to big for plecos?   I think they like a fairly confined opening and cave

The diameter of the hut is about 4 inches, if that gives you any scale. I may go out and buy some new stuff, but I’ve been told variety helps so the plecos can pick something they like. I also was thinking of sticking a large rock or two near the opening to make the cave entrance smaller.

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

I agree, try it, they'll let you know if they like it or not. 

It's nice when you can repurpose something you already have.

[SJ fishing]

On 4/15/2022 at 10:36 PM, FyaNyan said:

The diameter of the hut is about 4 inches, if that gives you any scale. I may go out and buy some new stuff, but I’ve been told variety helps so the plecos can pick something they like. I also was thinking of sticking a large rock or two near the opening to make the cave entrance smaller.

Ah ok, smaller than I thought.  I’d give it a shot

[Kathy F]

Some people will cover their non-aquarium decor in Plasti Dip.  I haven't tried it so I'm not sure how durable the Plasti Dip coating is.

[FyaNyan]

Just an update, the paint (or whatever coated the huts) came off. Not all, but a substantial amount, and enough to make me take them out.

For anyone else wondering this question—don’t use plastic PetSmart coconut huts in aquariums. At least not without coating them in something waterproof.

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

@FyaNyan thanks for the update! Great to know, and glad to hear no negative effect, just ugly now!