Fish decor

[Mathewking]

Hey guys I'm new to the forum, I'm located in Australia and have a start up/decor question, I went out today and got some rocks for my tank which I haven't set up yet. I think they're brown coal rocks, I noticed the smaller ones crumled easily so I got rid of them but the bigger ones seem sturdy I just wanted to know if they were safe to put into my tank, I also got some quartz which iv read will be fine to put in once I establish my tank. Any answers or feed back will be much appreciated.

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Some rock will dissolve in an aquarium and so affect the water's hardness. This can be detrimental to most fish (and beneficial to others).
The most basic test for rocks is to drop some vinegar on them and see if it bubbles. If it does, then it isn't suitable for your tank unless you're experienced and skilled enough to know xactly what you're doing.
Rocks that crumble should also be avoided, unless you'll be wanting bits of the rock appearing over the tank.

Other things to watch out for are sharp edges, (for obvious reasons) and any contamination in the form of metal ore.
Some quartz should be okay, but be aware that many may have ore deposits and some that appear to look like quartz may actually dissolve over time, (See the vinegar test above ).
Obviously, you'll be cleaning anything beforehand.

As a suggestion, get in your head exactly what sort of scheme you want and then get the rocks to fit it, rather than get the rock and then decide upon the scheme.

 

[Mathewking]

Some rock will dissolve in an aquarium and so affect the water's hardness. This can be detrimental to most fish (and beneficial to others).
The most basic test for rocks is to drop some vinegar on them and see if it bubbles. If it does, then it isn't suitable for your tank unless you're experienced and skilled enough to know xactly what you're doing.
Rocks that crumble should also be avoided, unless you'll be wanting bits of the rock appearing over the tank.

Other things to watch out for are sharp edges, (for obvious reasons) and any contamination in the form of metal ore.
Some quartz should be okay, but be aware that many may have ore deposits and some that appear to look like quartz may actually dissolve over time, (See the vinegar test above ).
Obviously, you'll be cleaning anything beforehand.

As a suggestion, get in your head exactly what sort of scheme you want and then get the rocks to fit it, rather than get the rock and then decide upon the scheme.

Thanks mate, is any vinegar fine or should it be white?

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Thanks mate, is any vinegar fine or should it be white?

Ooooh...I think some quality Modena Balsamic would be bestest!

Seriously, just basic white stuff. You're looking for a reaction on the stone to the acid.

 

[Mathewking]

Ooooh...I think some quality Modena Balsamic would be bestest!

Seriously, just basic white stuff. You're looking for a reaction on the stone to the acid.

Awesome, thanks mate

 

[FishHobby99]

Hey guys I'm new to the forum, I'm located in Australia and have a start up/decor question, I went out today and got some rocks for my tank which I haven't set up yet. I think they're brown coal rocks, I noticed the smaller ones crumled easily so I got rid of them but the bigger ones seem sturdy I just wanted to know if they were safe to put into my tank, I also got some quartz which iv read will be fine to put in once I establish my tank. Any answers or feed back will be much appreciated.

I bought some slate on eBay to make hides for my anxies. Very attractive stone. May not get to the cave build, but would look cool resting on a tank bottom.

Some rock will dissolve in an aquarium and so affect the water's hardness. This can be detrimental to most fish (and beneficial to others).
The most basic test for rocks is to drop some vinegar on them and see if it bubbles. If it does, then it isn't suitable for your tank unless you're experienced and skilled enough to know xactly what you're doing.
Rocks that crumble should also be avoided, unless you'll be wanting bits of the rock appearing over the tank.

Other things to watch out for are sharp edges, (for obvious reasons) and any contamination in the form of metal ore.
Some quartz should be okay, but be aware that many may have ore deposits and some that appear to look like quartz may actually dissolve over time, (See the vinegar test above ).
Obviously, you'll be cleaning anything beforehand.

As a suggestion, get in your head exactly what sort of scheme you want and then get the rocks to fit it, rather than get the rock and then decide upon the scheme.

Interesting about the vinegar, Bruce, thanks. Today I’m trekking to the creek that runs thru my property & hunting for rocks. I‘ll drop them in some vinegar.