Plants attaching to rocks?

[kidbookrev]

Hi,

As part of decorating the 10 gallon tropical tank I will be setting up, I plan to make some rock formations using silicone. I hope to have a live planted tank, so am wondering if plants like java moss will attach to rocks? I know that it will root on driftwood, but what about rocks?

Also, how do I tell if a rock is safe to put in the aquarium?

thanks
Isaac

[spunjin]

From what I have seen, Java moss will attach to rock. The more porous the rock the faster it will attach IME.

[Veloth]

Put vinegar on the rock if it doesn't fizz it's OK.

[jpappy789]

Do you know what type of rock it is?

Most ferns, mosses, and anubias will attach to rocks as well as driftwood.

[OldMan47]

To screen for safety I will use the vinegar test suggested. If it passes that, I put the rock in a bucket of tap water and set up another bucket at the same time without any rock. If the pH of both is the same as each other a day or 2 later, the rock is not affecting it and should be OK for your tank as far as pH is concerned. Do not use any rock that has been exposed to chemical sprays or fertilizers like the ones in your garden probably have been.

[DAVIDFBT]

It takes a little longer for the moss to attach to the rocks, but if the rock is very rough, it attaches faster.

[Shocker6966]

If you are building these rock outcroppings, try putting a small piece of lava rock where you want the plants to attach and plants like java ferns and anubias will grab hold almost overnight.

[kidbookrev]

If you are building these rock outcroppings, try putting a small piece of lava rock where you want the plants to attach and plants like java ferns and anubias will grab hold almost overnight.

That's a very good idea, thank you!

Thanks also to everyone who responded. I plan to make various formations out of a rock that I think is granite (and maybe some lava rock for the plants), but I will check that first w/ the vinegar test.