Rocks for fish tank

[p1ngu]

What type of rocks can i use for my fishtank? i usually buy rocks, although this time i want to save money and use rocks from my garden, fairly big ones.

Since these rocks are made of sand, will they dirty the water? is there a way to clean them so they dont dirty the water?

thanks.

 

[Annastasia]

The-Wolf's topic on rocks might help you some.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=55806

What I usually do when I get new rocks, is boil them, then let them dry for a bit. Then I put them in some clean water, overnight, just to make sure they are pretty clean.

 

[p1ngu]

thanks

 

[p1ngu]

hmm, i have sandstone rocks in my backyard, although is says the rocks arent recommended, will the fish definately die if sandstone rock is put in?

 

[Annastasia]

Well, to quote from the topic
"Water-worn pebbles of varying sizes can give a very natural look to an aquarium. Sandstone is mostly safe to use for all tanks after the standard cleaning protocols; however it is a sedimentary rock made from small grains of quartz and feldspar.
Note; due to the feldspar, (which can contain potassium, sodium or calcium) it may be harmful."

I'm not really sure if all the fish would die. They could if it was from changing water chemistry..which could happen.But maybe The-Wolf will come along, and be able to answer that question better.

Edited because I can't spell today.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

hmm, i have sandstone rocks in my backyard, although is says the rocks arent recommended, will the fish definately die if sandstone rock is put in?

Could do, sandstone changes ph and they could die from ph shock from any sudden changes it makes to it or it could make the tanks ph not suitable for your fish.

 

[p1ngu]

hmm, what other type of rocks can go in there?

The ones from LFS are they ok?

ALSO, i have FAKE rocks, theyre made out of plastic/silicon i think.

Are they suitable ?

thanks.

 

[freddyk]

Anything from your LFS is safe, and is also a massive ripoff. I get my stones from a rock quarry or landscaper - it's about 10% of the price.

Slate, granite, river rock, lava rock, onyx, petrified wood... lots of choice.

 

[p1ngu]

hmm, so in your opinion sandstone is not appropriate?

Are fake rocks better then real rocks?

Also, are the rocks you mentioned fairly expensive?

Thanks for the info. appreciate it.

 

[SandMan8388]

A way to be sure and safe about the rocks you are putting into your tank is to test them yourself. First get a little bit of white vinegar and take a dropper and drop it onto the rock. If it begins to bubble or sizzle get rid of the rock; it is unsafe for the tank. If you drop it onto the rock and nothing happens, then boil the rock, dry it, make sure it's cool and go ahead and place it in your tank.

 

[p1ngu]

Sorry, one other thing, will it discolour my water?

 

[The-Wolf]

Well, to quote from the topic
"Water-worn pebbles of varying sizes can give a very natural look to an aquarium. Sandstone is mostly safe to use for all tanks after the standard cleaning protocols; however it is a sedimentary rock made from small grains of quartz and feldspar.
Note; due to the feldspar, (which can contain potassium, sodium or calcium) it may be harmful."

I'm not really sure if all the fish would die. They could if it was from changing water chemistry..which could happen.But maybe The-Wolf will come along, and be able to answer that question better.

Edited because I can't spell today.

I feel that sandstone is 99% safe; there will be that 1% of sandstone rock that contains feldsar making it unsafe. it would all depend on where the sandstone is quarried from and only your local geology center could tell you for sure.

 

[ncjharris]

only your local geology center could tell you for sure.

I didn't even know there was such a thing as a local geology centre!

 

[Briarmoor]

A way to be sure and safe about the rocks you are putting into your tank is to test them yourself. First get a little bit of white vinegar and take a dropper and drop it onto the rock. If it begins to bubble or sizzle get rid of the rock; it is unsafe for the tank. If you drop it onto the rock and nothing happens, then boil the rock, dry it, make sure it's cool and go ahead and place it in your tank.

That is sure helpful to know. I hit a very large rock in the road that fell off a landscaping truck just 5 months after I bought my Scion xB and did about $1200 damage. It would be poetic justice to be able to do something useful with that rock! I'll try the vinegar thing and see if it's safe. Then put it in the fishless 55 and check the pH before I put fish in?

Pam in TN

 

[freddyk]

The vinegar test is too see if the rocks contain any calcium carbonate, which can cause a rise in ph. Once it passes this, just make sure you clean the rocks well before putting it in the tank.

None of the rocks I mentioned will cause water discoloration or ph swings, and all of them are pennies to buy at the right place.

Aquarium safe fake rocks are better in terms of being easier to work with and much lighter. Unfortunately they have the drawback of usually looking fake, and they tend to be more expensive. Real or fake, the choice is yours.