Terra Cotta Pots

[geodehunter]

Is it safe to use new terra cotta pots for putting some plants in a Discus tank? Thanks

[sidra]

I believe that is not only safe, but a preferred spawning site for discus. I bought some new ones and made sure they had no sticker glue and rinsed them really well before putting them in my tank.

Kristen.

[Chrisb]

I agree with Kristen, I have Discus to spawn on terra cotta pots.

Chris

[Alight]

Generally, they are safe. However, some have been treated with antibacterial algicides to keep them looking nice before sale. I had a large pot partially kill off my biofilter once because of this.

Best to be safe, and thoroughly soak any new clay pots for several days, changing the water every few days before you use them. Hot water initially, then just let it sit in water, then another hot water treatment, etc.

Doing this, I've never had a problem.

[pcsb23]

Agree with Alight, also they will actually increase the available sites for bacteria for the bio filter! Useful spin off if nothing else!

Paul.