DIY Coconut Shell Aquarium Cave & Hideout for Fish | Eco-Friendly Tank Decor, by RIDOY KHAN UK on YouTube. 3 min.
- Video length
- 3 min
- Time to do it
- 1 hour plus overnight soaking
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a dry, untreated coconut. Drain the water by piercing the eyes, then split or cut the shell into a piece big enough for your fish to sit inside.
Cut a doorway in the side of the shell with a saw or craft knife. Make the opening wide enough for your fish to swim through but small enough to feel like a shelter.
Scoop out all the white flesh with a spoon or blunt knife. Any flesh left inside will rot and foul the tank water.
Scrape off every loose fiber from the outside with a knife, then sand the cut edges and doorway until they are smooth.
Boil the shell in a pot of water for 20 to 30 minutes. This releases tannins and kills bacteria and pests.
Soak the shell in a bucket of clean water for 24 hours, changing the water once or twice, until the water stays mostly clear.
Let the shell dry, then check that it sinks. If it floats, soak it longer or glue a small piece of aquarium-safe slate to the base.
Place the cave on the tank floor with the doorway facing a clear swim path. Press it gently into the substrate so it does not roll.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use soap or household cleaners on the shell, because residues will harm fish.
A fresh green coconut holds more moisture and tannins, so a dry brown one is better.
Sand the doorway well so sharp edges do not catch fins.
Tannins may tint the water brown at first; this is harmless but water changes clear it.
Questions
How long should I boil the coconut shell?
Boil it for 20 to 30 minutes, then soak it in clean water for a day before it goes in the tank.
Will the coconut shell rot in the aquarium?
It breaks down very slowly, like driftwood, and usually lasts months to years. Remove it if it turns soft or smelly.
Is a coconut cave safe for bettas and shrimp?
Yes, once it is boiled, soaked and sanded smooth. Check that no fish can wedge itself in the doorway.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
