DIY Clay Spawning Caves. Instructions with Pics.

Just thought I would show everyone how I recently made some spawning caves for my bristlenose plecs. What you will need. 1.75 lbs of clay. You can get this from your local crafts store. 1.75 Lbs will make 4 caves. A piece of wax or freezer paper to work the clay on (The clay WILL STAIN COUNTER TOPS!). A glass oven safe pan or non stick metal baking sheet.

The Basic Instruction for the clay:
Start with clean hands and work surface. Knead the clay until it is soft and smooth. Shape the clay. Bake on oven proof glass or metal surface at 275° F (130° C) for 15 min per 1/4 " (6mm) of thickness. Do not Over bake the clay. Wash hands after use.

****4 caves can be made for about $18.00 US.****

The clay I started with.


Tape the freezer/Wax paper to your counter top.


Open the clay and take out one brick of the clay.




Knead the clay.


Tear the clay in half. One brick will make 2 caves for the smaller plec species. If you have one of the larger species I would use 1 brick for 1 cave.


Flatten the clay out into a rectangle or square.


**Optional** Texture what will be the inside of the cave.


Form the clay into a cave and pinch seams shut. Also close one side by pinching shut.






Place on glass or metal sheet and bake according to instructions. They look dull when the baking is finished.




Let the caves cool for 24 hours before placing them into your tank.

And finally 24 hours later in the tank!


Thanks for taking the time to check out my DIY Caves.

i also made my own clay breeding caves for my plecos but i made mine for free in ceramics class at school. they have already spawned in one of them

i can get the terracotta clay of this, isit safe to use then...

Any update on this? How is the sculpty holding up in the water?

Any update?