At the beginning Slate plates, bamboo pipes and so on were used. Even clay flower pots with small entrances, cut in with a saw were well received. In the age of PVC plastic tubes (water pipes) were used in the aquarium (this is still used today). But all in all, this is not the non plus ultra. Useful yes, but not decorative

So some aquarium enthusiasts sat at a table and formed the first clay caves. This raw material was given away to a hobby shop for burning and some days later, the first caves were finished.

But would the animals accept these caves???

Then the extreme aquarium enthusiasts joined in. In many tests various cave models were manufactured, tested and rejected. Long ones, short ones, thick and thin ones, with one ore more accesses. The reason for rejection was that most of the animals could not cope with length and diameter. After some time caves with front- and side access, as well as tubes prevailed and were manufactured for personal requirements too. Other aquarium enthusiasts saw these products on exchanges for ornamental fish because the L-Catfish prefer special caves for breeding and recruitment.

The range of products was developed steadily, with the help of breeders and animal owners of various species (Catfish, Dwarf chiclids etc.).

At present caves are manufactured in 5 colour variations. Black and Terracotta caves have become standard. Currently there is a great demand for caves in tricolored clay.

Aquakeramik has been manufacturing caves from clay since 1996, in the beginning for own requirements of the aquaculture farm and since 1997 officially for retail and wholesale. Since 2001 our caves are offered and distributed in the internet on the Website www.zierfischhoehlen.de.

In the first years (1997-1999) 100 - 200 pieces were made by hand. Because of the very high demand this could be increased over the years.

The distribution in the first years covered only Germany. But here too, customers within and outside Europe grew (retail/wholesale) and demanded caves for ornamental fish, made of clay. In the meantime or products„Handmade in Germany“are offered and distributed EU/Worldwide. Based on hearsay our products are even known in Island.