Flagstone?

[noodles62]

Is it safe to use flagstone in FW aquariums to create caves? Apparently slate is not sometihng that is readily available in this area...:headshake2:

Any other suggestions on materials to make natural looking caves for my tank?

[Hurley]

You can test the stone by putting vinegar on them. If the vinegar bubbles the stones are not inert and should not be put in the tank. You can also put them in a bucket and let them sit for a couple days then test the water to see if the ph/kh/gh has changed. If it has, I wouldn't use them either. I just pulled some rocks out of my back yard, tested them, cleaned them, and put them in the tank. Really any rock that is inert would work fine.

[noodles62]

Bump! Anybody know anything about flagstone? Is it safe to use in my tank? I picked some up at the local quarry and am washing it, but am getting nervous about using it..........

[Notophthalmus]

Flagstone is almost always a silicate (same basic chemical composition as glass), and is aquarium safe.

[oscarluvr]

Flagstone is almost always a silicate (same basic chemical composition as glass), and is aquarium safe.
i agree, i made mine from unfinished clay pots and river rock, using ge 1 silicone to glue the rock to the pots....

[noodles62]

thank you! I am glad it is safe to use....I will be constructing my "caves" tonite.

[NickD]

Please post pictures when you're done. I've got some flagstone waiting to be built into caves also. I'm looking for some architectural ideas.

[noodles62]

Please post pictures when you're done. I've got some flagstone waiting to be built into caves also. I'm looking for some architectural ideas.

Will do! Wish me luck tho, I have never done anything like this before! :eek: