Need Caves?

Shell231 · Post by **Shell231** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 5:27 pm

Thanks McEve! i knew i saw it some where!

NeoCult · Post by **NeoCult** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 5:41 pm

so an 11 - 12 cm cave length is perfect

LyreTail · Post by **LyreTail** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 3:36 am

McEve - thank you - the post you linked to was the one that that I came up with for my original dimensions. 11cm long x 2.5 cm high x 3 to 4 cm wide
( the width seem to have the most diversity in opinion over several boards and threads)
Recently people have requested longer caves and I did not think the extra length of 1.5 inches (3 to 4 cm ) would hurt anything even though it costs me about $1 more in materials. In fact I thought the fry / eggs might suffer less abuse from an over zealous male.

Right now I am running a test with different sizes of caves and the plecos seem to prefer the shorter ones. It may be positioning in the tank, so I need to switch places and see if the plecos choose the same cave or the same spot in the tank.

I figure the customer is always right

You want them a special size, then that is what you get

LyreTail · Post by **LyreTail** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 5:24 am

I tried making some caves out of ceramic tile today. It was harder to work with by a long shot!

NeoCult · Post by **NeoCult** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 6:36 pm

How did they turn out?

LyreTail · Post by **LyreTail** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:35 am

I quit working on them - too much trouble to sand the ceramic flat. If the ceramic came smooth then I might try going farther, but it has a grid pattern on the bottom. I suspect trying to distress the edges would be just as hard.

Caesars · Post by **Caesars** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 11:47 am

Lyre, have you tried using a lady's metalic nail file? Also, try the manicure/pedicure sets, they have an attachment for smoting hard toe nails, it really works miracles and its mains or battery operated. The mains one is stronger. I used mine to smoth some edges of ceramic pots I got for my L26s and it worked a treat

Caesars · Post by **Caesars** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:32 am

I got the caves yesterday and I am over the moon

they are a real piece of artwork. A massive big thank you to both Curtis and Alun. Anyway, I put in a cave to see if my male zebra will go in it - but he didn't get the chance ..... Look what happened:

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ ... nCave2.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

and as if that wasn't enough, he started waging his tail, which is what he has been doing for the past 30 hours

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ ... gTail2.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

What do you think?

NeoCult · Post by **NeoCult** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:34 am

hes saying females come get some

alevans · Post by **alevans** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 5:32 pm

It's a pleasure!

Mmmm seems as if the Zebra only tank is that bit closer to happening!

Keep trying!

Caesars · Post by **Caesars** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:43 pm

Guys, this L264

made it crystal clear to the zebras that this is now HIS cave. Here is the follow up: the female went, but of course couldnt get in as the cave is too small for him, let alone him and a female. So after a bit he got out and they started flirting. Amongst other things they go in a circle (he touches her tail with his head and she touches his with her head). I will try to post pictures, I took some but with both of them moving and being grey with black spots on a black and white gravel, the pics weren't much of a succes ....

Alun, I was just telling Curtis, we discussed putting a cave in to see what happens, and that is IT

LyreTail · Post by **LyreTail** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 12:15 pm

Well, it looks like somebody likes my caves LOL
Anyways I just got in orders for a dozen or more caves which will put me over 100 caves made and sent. I never thought they would be so popular.

NeoCult · Post by **NeoCult** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 1:49 pm

LyreTail wrote:Well, it looks like somebody likes my caves LOL
Anyways I just got in orders for a dozen or more caves which will put me over 100 caves made and sent. I never thought they would be so popular.

Its because you make the best looking caves FACT

Caesars · Post by **Caesars** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:00 am

Its because you make the best looking caves FACT

I second that and so do all my guys who got a cave at present. Look at that. I have now 5 caves in and all full, tomorrow I will put the 6th one. The others have to wait next delivery

Mandalay (the L144) put up a massive fight for his cave and has now taken to sitting half the time facing the tank to fend off possible competitors for it and half the time turning in properly to wag his tail. Evidence attached

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ ... InCave.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ ... InCave.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ ... ngCave.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ ... ngCave.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a179/ ... InCave.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

I don't think words can describe it, the caves got occupants within 5 mins of them being placed in the tank!

(only problem is, my female zebras are at the other side of the tank happily keeping themselves busy eating, )

Lyre what can I say, you got their pulse!

LyreTail · Post by **LyreTail** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 9:58 pm

I am sorry to have to do this, but I will have to raise my prices due to popularity
and how much time these caves are taking me to craft.
I figure raising the prices slightly might slow down orders and that is my intention.
I do not enjoy making these caves anymore as it is a dirty, dusty and time consuming task.
I just spent my whole 1st week of holiday vacation making 30+ caves

I could stop making removable tops and stop detailing the caves so that they are the basic lumps of slate,
but I take pride in trying my best to improve the look and
function of these caves to benefit the breeding of one of my favorite fish.

Those of you that have already ordered caves, will get the price I quoted. Please pay so that I can ship them to you

New prices
$15 USD for each Solid Zebra / Queen sized cave
$20 For removable top option

$20 for solid Ancistrus Sized cave
$25 for Removable top Ancistrus cave

Special custom dimensions will only be done for no charge if I do not
have to increase length of caves. I will consider making longer caves,
but they will incur an extra labor fee