What's new
By:
Filters

Is it safe to use Onyx stone in fish tank?

Barry Tetra

Barry Tetra

Fish Aficionado
Pet of the Month 🎖️
Joined
Dec 23, 2019
Messages
3,368
Reaction score
1,821
Location
Thailand
So apparently my neighbor works at jewelry store and gave all of this unused Onyx stone to me, is this safe for fish and bottom dwellers?

@Colin_T @AdoraBelle Dearheart @PheonixKingZ
IMG20201007152353.jpg
 
Last edited:
If it's true onyx it is safe chemically as it's just silicon dioxide, the same as sand. But the name onyx is commonly used for a number of different minerals, some of which may not be safe. Does the jewellery store worker know if it is true onyx or some other mineral?

If it is true onyx, you just need to make sure the pieces are smooth especially with bottom dwellers - sharp edges could hurt them.
 
essjay said:
If it's true onyx it is safe chemically as it's just silicon dioxide, the same as sand. But the name onyx is commonly used for a number of different minerals, some of which may not be safe. Does the jewellery store worker know if it is true onyx or some other mineral?

If it is true onyx, you just need to make sure the pieces are smooth especially with bottom dwellers - sharp edges could hurt them.
Click to expand...
Just called the owner, they said it’s a genuine onyx.

Is it the same as Seachem onyx though?

27EF8E9C-A93A-4F28-9744-39ABA448C1D3.jpeg
 
Barry Tetra said:
Just called the owner, they said it’s a genuine onyx.

Is it the same as Seachem onyx though?
Click to expand...

Apparently the Onyx is natural from the source, but it looks quite dull in comparison to the Onyx I've seen (and the one in your picture), the seachem stuff looks like slate, and looks way to sharp to have in a tank.
 
Shiverz said:
Apparently the Onyx is natural from the source, but it looks quite dull in comparison to the Onyx I've seen (and the one in your picture), the seachem stuff looks like slate, and looks way to sharp to have in a tank.
Click to expand...
Is it valuable though?
I might sell it to other jewelry store to see if they buy it :)
 
Barry Tetra said:
Is it valuable though?
I might sell it to other jewelry store to see if they buy it :)
Click to expand...

Lmfao, theres no harm in trying! let me know how it goes, I could do the same here. I've got a table just begging for a 3 foot tank to be sat on it.
 
Is there anyway to clean it though can I use bleach or soap?
 
I'm pretty sure seachem onyx is not real onyx stone. :) According to seachem's website, it is "carbonate rich sand." I think the name refers to the color, not the composition.

As for cleaning it, a stiff brush and water should be all you need. No amount of cleaning will polish it into a gem stone. For that, you'd need a rock tumbler. I have no idea about selling it, but if your friend the jewelry-store worker gave it to you, it probably isn't gem-quality rock.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Seachem Florish safe for gold pleco and cardinal tetras
2
Replies
25
Views
853
janeywolf1
J
S
  • Locked
My new fish
Replies
5
Views
460
Lcc86
L
Az3rix
Help with Turtle Tank
Replies
6
Views
289
Az3rix
Az3rix
MattW
Stiphodon question
Replies
4
Views
151
MattW
MattW
J
New tank PH problem ?
Replies
4
Views
307
TwoTankAmin
TwoTankAmin

Most reactions

Useful Links

Back
Top