Rocks

[Clairel]

I currently have a 20g tank (hexagon) (90 lit), i have 2 real plants, 1 artificial+ornament, and a diving helmet ornament.

I have no rocks in there, as i havnt a clue about these? Which is best, do i need them? Do fish like them? Is there any specific rocks to get for specific fish etc ?

Thanx Claire x

 

[big mick]

hello again.

You dont need rocks if you dont want them, as long as there are hiding places then its okay, the fish wont care either way.

I have lots of rocks in my my tanks but thats more for the look of the tank than anything else, if you're happy with the look of you tank thats what counts.

If you do decide to add rocks though dont just pick them out the garden, all the ones Ive got were bought from pet shops, you can get some really nice ones like quartz.

Its is possible to find some types of rocks from rivers etc and clean them but personally I would rather spend a few quid on rocks from a shop than risk wiping out my entire tank, you never know what is in the rivers etc.

 

[scuba_jez]

I have rocks from the garden in my tank... i'm too pov to pay for rocks when we are living on/around them.

put vinegar on them and if they fizz they are a no no. test for limestone /calcium carbonate/CaCO3

if they feel heavier than you think a rock that size should be its a bad because it may have heavy metals in it

umm, boil them before u put them in your tank.

thats about it i think.

i dont see why you shouldnt use rocks from your garden. those

i made a stone henge out of some i flogged from my mother's pot plants, they are really nice and polished black. i knocked it down when i was doing a gravel vac though. when my mid terms are over I might put stone henge back back up coz the lil corys used to swim through it. ANYHOO


from what i remember there's a pinned topic on rocks that may go into more detail.

 

[UBigBobby]

Slate is usually a good choice as it can be stacked to form caves and hiding places while still looking nice and natural. Though there are other options out there. Just stay away from rocks that will alter the pH. Limestone is one of these I believe.

 

[HexTank]

HI!
I was just wondering if anyone knows if it's safe to use "pea gravel" (used in gardens) for aquarium gravel??? Assuming it is well rinsed before use - of course. Should it perhaps be boiled?

Catfish like smooth rocks to keep their barbels from getting "beat up" I'm told.

 

[big mick]

I cant see why you couldnt use pea gravel as long as its cleaned properly.

They say corries etc prefer sand bottom than gravel to protect their barbs but to be honest Ive always used gravel and my 6 have been kicking about for ages happy as you like.

 

[IMCL85]

that depend on what fish u plan to keep. Some fish need rock as hidden placo but some doesn't like driftwood etc works better for them.