Products

Caves and Volcanoes

Presently, Grottos and Fins offers two rock models – The Original and Mount Vesuvius.  The Original is our smaller rock (approx. 5”L x 5”W x 6”H).  It can accommodate either an “air” volcano or a cave.  If you order it with a volcano, just place your air stone under the rock and bubbles will erupt from the top.  A cave in The Original is perfect for breeding small cichlids or merely as a loach or pleco hangout.  You can see from the pictures on this web site the variety of cave types that we can design into The Original. 

 

As its name implies, our larger rock model, Mount Vesuvius (approx. 6”L x 6”W x 12”H) also makes an excellent volcano.  Air bubbles exploding from the top of this rock is truly dramatic.  The size of Mount Vesuvius also makes it a perfect two cave condo.  We can place the caves on the same side or opposite sides.  Mount Vesuvius can have four different looks: a simple volcano, a one cave residence, a volcano/cave combo or a two cave condo. 

 

Note that every cave is different in shape, size and depth.  Also, no two rocks have the same color. Color experimentation is a continuous process and we are adding different variations constantly.  In other words, as in nature, all Grottos and Fins rocks are unique.  But, unlike in nature, you will be given the opportunity during the ordering process to tell us what you would like your cave to look like. Of course, we encourage you to contact us with any questions.  We will try to accommodate special orders whenever possible.  We actually enjoy the challenge.

 

 

Grottos and Fins New Product

The Cliff

Many, many people have asked me to make a rock cliff. I always thought it was a great idea too, but had not been able to find a rock that could double as a cliff and, quite frankly, making the mold was EXTREMELY difficult.  But I loved the challenge and I think it turned out pretty good.

 

The Board of Directors met and decided to name it “The Cliff”.  I made a prototype because … well, because I am an engineer and that’s what we do.  The rock face is approximately 2 feet long , 1 foot high and 4 inches thick.  I was not sure how many caves can be cut into the cliff face, but as you can see from the pictures below, we can probably fit in 6.  For the prototype, however, I only put in 3 just to see how it would look.  The two cave entrances to the right actually lead to one large cave.  The third entrance leads to its own cave.  I stained it reddish brown and am satisfied with the results. 

 

There is still much to do before it goes into production, however.  I want to make a support stand to stabilize it a bit and distribute its weight to a larger area.  I also have to determine its cure rate.  I will not sell a rock before its time.

 

Here’s the deal.  When you come to my site you are expected to work a little.  I may not be able to get my kids to do too much but I expect more out of you serious aquarists.  Just click “I INSIST THAT YOU GIVE ME FEEDBACK” and give me some feedback.  You know, “Good job”, “Get a life”, “Don’t give up your day job”.  Stuff like that.  Just keep it clean.