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fresh water rocks?
- Thread starter liqourish
- Start date
Themuleous
Member
That's impossible to say unfortunately. Who knows what a rock from a ditch would be and so it'd be impossible to say if it was OK or not. I doubt a rock would contain anything harmful to the fish and plants per se but it might mess with the GH of the tank which could cause problems e.g. limestone.
If you did want to collect your own Im sure it would be possible to ID a rock or at least the type using google. Once you've found that out you could probably find out if it was aquarium safe or not.
I know rocks are expensive but it does give piece of mind in that you know what you are getting.
Sam
If you did want to collect your own Im sure it would be possible to ID a rock or at least the type using google. Once you've found that out you could probably find out if it was aquarium safe or not.
I know rocks are expensive but it does give piece of mind in that you know what you are getting.
Sam
Steve Smith
Member
A basic test you can do is the acid test. Drip some vinegar onto the rocks and see if they fizz at all. Also worth making sure there aren't any metal veins in them if you can.
Whilst i agree that rocks can be expensive, you get what you pay for with regards to aesthetics, plus piece of mind. I've spent quite some time looking around the UK for good rocks that are both safe and pleasing on the eye and TBH i've found nothing to suit. i find the odd rock here and there but never enough of the same type to create an aquascape.
Rocks don't have to be that expensive either, Mini Landscape rock from AquaEssentials is as little as £2.80 per kilo. This is a great rock and used in many of the best scapes around. Another type of rock that is beautiful is Fossilised/Petrified Wood, it's very dense and there for quite expensive but man it's worth the money. My missis, who doesn't even keep fish spent £22 on a piece because it looked that good!
Rocks don't have to be that expensive either, Mini Landscape rock from AquaEssentials is as little as £2.80 per kilo. This is a great rock and used in many of the best scapes around. Another type of rock that is beautiful is Fossilised/Petrified Wood, it's very dense and there for quite expensive but man it's worth the money. My missis, who doesn't even keep fish spent £22 on a piece because it looked that good!
beeky
Member
IME using vinegar on rocks is a waste of time. In most cases the very slight reaction is difficult to see and a bit of dirt etc can mask it completely. Better to use some stronger acid like kettle descaler or the like. If you decide not to use the rock, give a rinse first though before putting it back!
Yeah, I'm with beeky, I'd use any strong acid I could get my hands on. Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) is another famous option. Dan has a good point though. It's worth look at the specialist websites such as those of our sponsors and you find some very attractive items that won't break the bank - as long as you don't buy 50Kg worth.
Cheers,
Cheers,
