fish question!?

Question

ok, do you need the little rocks at the bottom of a fish bowl, or can you do without them. i need to know for a science fair project i'm doing. (don't worry, the project's not on that, i just need to know)

Answer 1

You need something so that there can be a bacterial colony in the fish tank. Otherwise, the chlorine in tap water and the ammonia in fish waste turn into chloramine (wanna smell chloramine? Mix bleach with dish detergent. The fumes can send you to the hospital or kill you in high enough doses! That's why you don't mix them!)

You usually use gravel...though I use a mix of gravel, marbles, and decorative rocks. I mean, glass marbles (not marble-marble.) Also, fake plants--I don't have enough light for real ones.

As long as there's something for the bacteria to cling to, they can start a beneficial colony to break down fish waste properly. This cycle takes about 6 weeks so that ammonia isn't built up from the waste. Plus, a filter is nice.

But, yeah, you need something.

Oh, the reason why they don't always have rocks at the pet store is b/c they have heavy-duty filters that keep the water clean. If you want to change your water, like, every day, don't bother with gravel. And if you have dim fish that eat rocks...get bigger gravel.

Also, as far as the cycling goes--if you use, say, Aqua Safe, it cuts down on the whole chlorine and cycling problem. It neutralizes a lot of stuff if your water's basically clean.

Answer 2

You do really need them especially if you are putting in some plants and ornaments - the rocks (of gravel as is the technical name!) helps the plants to stay put. Also it looks much better than the boring glass bottom of the tank, and some fish actually enjoy burrowing or moving the stones. We have oscars, and they are really good at moving the stones from one side of the tank to the other!!!

Good luck with the project!

Answer 3

well you don't really NEED them but they keep the tank looking nicer because all the... well poop stays at the bottom traped in the rocks and you don't need to wash the tank as often
Also you can get the rocks in pretty colors and some people like to make their tank match their decor. And certain fish enjoy berrying themselves in the rocks mostly loaches.

Answer 4

Its actually better to keep the fish with rocks, it gives them a false sence of security and aids in the nitrogen cycle. It also looks alot better with rocks. The only problem is cleaning but if your to lazy to siphon rocks than you shouldn't have fish

Answer 5

I really dont think anyone needs them?...its for the fish. People dont go shopping and think "uuu I really must get more small fish tank rocks, Im all out" ...lol... sides its just for look.

Answer 6

Yes, you need the rocks. Something to do with fish waste and bacteria.

Answer 7

each body will probably say "blue" fish, yet i'm quirky and could say new fish, or red fish smoked fish,or red fish cooked fish, very last yet no longer least red fish stunk like fish!

Answer 8

The rocks are either for decoration, or you can use them to filter out the crap they make by putting an "under rock filter" that creates suction. It also makes it harder to see.

Answer 9

The rock aren't necessary for anything, but they are commonly used for decoration. your fish will do fine without them.

Answer 10

i think they are mainly to make the tank look cool. it really depends on the type of fish they are. i heard somewhere (and im not sure, so dont judge me) that they like collect the algea or something, which makes the tank cleaner. not sure though.

Good luck!