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	What rocks are safe?
bsblue Hobbyist Posts: 123 Kudos: 26 Votes: 1 Registered: 16-Feb-2003	I am getting ready to redo my 75g and want to do a rock wall. I found some rock at an art supply shop that is closing down. They have everything from quartz, agate (sp?), and several others I of course cannot think of the names. What I want to know is how do I know if the rocks are aquarium safe? I know that limestone is not safe, other than that I have no clue. I would like to add some different colors of rock but I am afraid to if it will harm my fish. Thank you in advance for any suggestions/replies.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
moondog Moderator The Hobnob-lin Posts: 2676 Kudos: 1038 Votes: 4366 Registered: 30-Sep-2002	it depends on what kind of fish you plan on keeping. for most fish, you need to find rocks which won't leech calcium into the water (like limestone). if this place specializes in rocks, they can probably best help you to find rocks which will work. "That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
smantzer Big Fish Posts: 378 Kudos: 347 Votes: 10 Registered: 02-Nov-2004	I've used rose quartz in my tank before, and it's done just fine. What you want to watch out for are stones that will break down (like sandstone) or rocks with metallic-ore veins. Also be careful that they dont have any sharp edges, and always wash them thoroughly
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
PJ Big Fish Posts: 492 Kudos: 427 Votes: 326 Registered: 19-Aug-2004	[font color="#C00000"] Also be careful that they dont have any sharp edges [/font] my tank is full of sharp edges..... As said above watch out for rocks with metallic viens. They're likely to contain heavy metals which can be fatal to the fish.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
Bdadawg Fish Addict Posts: 530 Kudos: 161 Votes: 26 Registered: 04-Feb-2002	Limestone is normally safe for the aquarium .. however it tends to raise your hardess .. thus raising your PH. In really hard water they are a great rock. Quartz tends to be a good choice, agate usually has high mineral concentrations, Slate is another good choice, but ive found it usually contains iron ore deposits. Another test once you get the rock is to chip a small piece off and pour a little vinegar on the fresh part. If it bubbles dont put it in your tank. Dont exactly remember why .. just something i know im supposed to check <g>. Bdadawg
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, Virtually any of the many varieties of Quartz are fine for an aquarium as they are all Silicates and will not react with the water. Most of the metamorphic rocks such as Slate are fine as well. In fact, Slate was used for decades as the bottom of aquariums before all glass tanks were made. Limestone and any of the other carbonates, will react with the water changing the pH and GH of the tank. In some of the rocks, the molecules (minerals) are tightly bound and do not react as readily as others. The way to test any rock is to break off piece or scratch the surface so that you have a fresh surface to test. Then drip a couple of drops of dilute acid on it and see if it fizzes or bubbles. Normally, geologists carry a dilute solution of HCl with them and use that. Most folks don't have access to that and with the slow demise of the lead acid batteries in cars, the easiest acid to use is some common, ordinary, vinegar. Get a fresh surface and drip vinegar on it. Because vinegar is such a weak acid, if the rock does react (fizz/bubble) then it will readily react with the water. If you are keeping fish that like high pH and or high GH, then using rocks that react is a good idea. If you want your water to stay like it is, then use any of the varieties of Quartz. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
bsblue Hobbyist Posts: 123 Kudos: 26 Votes: 1 Registered: 16-Feb-2003	Thank you all for your replies. I am so excited to start decorating this tank. I am moving some fish from my 55g to my 75g. I made a deal with my husband that I would get rid of one of my tanks in order to get a sugar glider Oh, well. I still have 2 tanks left.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26


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