Cichlid Cave - Ceramic den for cichlids - Ceramic Nature

Cichlid Caves Ceramic Nature they are ceramic caves made by hand in the Netherlands, designed to offer safe and functional shelters to cichlids, bottom fish and numerous aquatic and terrestrial species. Their structure reproduces natural cavities inspired by wooden shapes and rock environments, favoring more natural behavior and reducing stress in animals bred in captivity.

Each piece is unique, as they worked by hand. The color is incorporated directly in the clay, ensuring color stability over time and total absence of harmful substances.

Measures available

The caves are available in three sizes, suitable for different species and layouts:

• Cichlid Cave XSmall: 7 × 7 × 7 cm - entrance hole Ø about 3 cm

• Cichlid Cave Small: 10 × 10 × 10 cm - entrance hole Ø about 3 cm

• Cichlid Cave Medium: 13 × 13 × 13 cm - entrance hole Ø about 3 cm

The diameter of the hole is designed to allow access to dwarf cichlids, Corydoras, small Loricaridi, Botia and other territorial species of contained size.

Use in the aquarium

The Cichlid Caves represent a fundamental element in the behavioral management of territorial fish. In cyclides, the presence of shelters reduces conflicts and visual competition, contributing to the stability of the ecosystem.

Main benefits in the aquarium:

• Creation of defined territories

• Refuge for subordinated specimens

• Safe area for deposition and incubation

• Reduction of intra-specific aggression

They are particularly suitable for:

• Sudamerican dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma, Mikrogehagus)

• Small African cichlids

• Corydoras and bottom fish

• Loricaridi

• Botia

• Large shrimps

Support for organic filtration

Porous ceramics offers an ideal surface for the settlement of nitrifying bacteria responsible for the nitrogen cycle. The microcavities present in the structure promote stable and lasting bacterial colonization.

This contributes to:

• Ammonia conversion (NH3) in nitrites (NO2)

• Nitrate nitrate conversion (NO3)

• Greater stability of water chemical parameters

While not replacing a biological filter, the cave represents a highly effective additional biological surface.

Integration with aquatic plants

The caves can be integrated into natural aquasciping layout. The surface allows anchoring of:

• Water Mussels

• Anubias

• Microsorum

Plants can be fixed with fishing wire or specific glue for aquariums in the first few weeks. Subsequently they take care independently, improving the aesthetics and organic functionality of the decoration.

Terrarium use

Thanks to the porosity of ceramics, the Cichlid Caves are also suitable for use in terrariums for:

• Geckos

• Frogs

• Amphibians

• Small reptiles

The ceramic holds moisture and heat, allowing you to create:

• Wet caves by wetsuit and hydration

• Hot shelters in thermoreglass areas

The material does not rot, does not decompose and keeps stability over time even in high humidity environments.

Materials and safety

The Cichlid Caves are made of high density technical ceramics, completely safe for animals and the environment.

Main features of the material:

• 100% non-toxic

• Absence of plastics and metals

• Do not alter pH, KH or GH

• Color incorporated in clay

• High mechanical resistance

• Long lasting time

Chemical stability makes the product suitable for aquariums with sensitive and invertebrate species.

Maintenance

Cleaning is simple and does not require chemicals:

• Use a soft sponge

• Rinse with warm water

• Avoid detergents

Any incrusting algae can be removed manually without damaging the structure.

For those who are recommended

This product is suitable for:

• Neophythical aquariums wishing to reduce stress and aggression

• Dwarf cichly breeders

• Community tanks with fish from bottom

• Natural aquascaping fans

• Reptile and amphibious breeders

Le Cichlid Caves Ceramic Nature they represent a functional, biologically useful and aesthetically natural solution to improve animal welfare and the stability of the ecosystem in aquarium and terrarium.