i am looking for rocks&slate for my 6ft tank to set it up
2007-03-08 23:36:38 · 7 answers · asked by phil 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Make sure you test any stone with vinegar before using in your tank. Put a few drops of vinegar on the stone, if it bubbles up the stone is not safe for the aquarium.
2007-03-09 00:02:34 · answer #1 · answered by .... . .-.. .-.. --- 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go out and collect it. I have a 4 foot 75 gallon with probably 200 pounds of rock in it, all collected from a dry stream bed. I have slate, limestone, and shale. Don't worry about my pH I keep African cichlids and they like the higer pH. A few good rules about collecting rocks, avoid any that look like they have mineral deposits on the outside (rust or green color which could indicate copper) and do the vinegar test. If it fizzes, it will raise your tank's pH (could be a good thing). Also avoid "fool's gold" something about it is toxic and crystal structures may be too sharp to have in a tank.
BTW: Calcium in and of itself is not harmful for an aquarium. However it will make the water more basic (and harder, which help resist pH changes) and if you have fish that need acidic, soft water that's a bad thing (like SA cichlids). I have had limestone (it fizzes with the vinegar test) in my African cichlid tank for almost 2 years. No health problems, but then African cichlids like a higher pH so no problems there (and they breed with the limestone there). Shells are the same thing, they can make your water more basic and for some fish that's a good thing, not a bad thing. Research your fish so you know what water conditions they need and act accordingly.
2007-03-09 04:11:32 · answer #2 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know I will probably get a thumbs down for this (from Jim S.), but I wouldn't pay any attention to him. He doesn't know what he's talking about. I've read a couple of his questions. He has no business being on this website.
The vinegar test is ideal in checking how safe a rock is for an aquarium. If in doubt, try to buy your rock and aquarium decorations from an aquarium dealer. I doubt they would sell things that can be problematic for an aquarium.
2007-03-09 03:50:57 · answer #3 · answered by Becca 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do a local search on yahoo. Search for stone yard. This is the kind of place we got all the stones for our turtle tank. We have rocks from all over the world. Look nice in the tank.
2007-03-08 23:43:39 · answer #4 · answered by bill a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jim S., you check for bubbling with vinegar to make sure the rock does not have calcium in it which would be detrimental to your tank... The acid in the vinegar will cause the mineral to bubble indicating it is not fish tank safe...
To the original poster, be aware of the weight of the rocks you place in your tank and make sure you clean them very very well before using...
Babs
2007-03-09 00:38:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a local nursery. "Most" carry rocks for about 25 cents a pound. You should be able to find river rock and slate.
2007-03-09 09:38:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why??? thats just stupid
2007-03-09 00:07:16 · answer #7 · answered by Jim S 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋