Need decor advice!! What kind of rock?

okief1sh

okief1sh

AC Members
Jun 15, 2006
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Midwest City, OK
I have been trying to find information on what type of rock to put in my new 55 gal which is soon to house a variety of lovely cichlids. All I have been able to find is "volcanic rock". What would be best suited to fit the tank? Are we talking large cinders or something more along the lines of granite or basalt? Does it really matter or can I just get some nice looking rock to make them happy?
 
Stay away from sandstone and rocks that look like they have rust on them. Otherwise, pay a visit to your local rockery/landscape supply and pick out what you like. Personally, the bowl/lace rock is my favorite. slate is nice too. I tell you to go the the rockery because you can get the rocks for 20 cents a pound instead of 2.50 a pound at the fish store, pluss you'll have more of a selection.
No matter were you get your rock, boil it first.
 
Thanks for the advice. I had planned on going to the local landscape supply place for my rock, but I wasn't sure exactly what to get. I guess I'll just look for something nice. Boiling was already on my list of activites. I prefer that to chlorine bleach treatment, for obvious reasons. :D
 
As stated before definitely go to a landscape or garden store rather than a pet store for rocks, its 1/10 the price. I got some nice slate rocks for real cheap and just stacked them. If you use a large amount of rocks I suggest you put "eggcrate" down under your substrate to prevent the rocks from cracking the glass, not needed in my tank though.

Here is a pic of some of the rocks on the left side:
tank_5.jpg
 
Yeah, just look for what you like. flagstone, slate, bowl/lace rock, riverock, rainbow rock, they're all good choices. like I said, just stay away from sandstone (cause it will dissintegrate) and rocks that have rust on them (they contain metals that will leach into your water and could be harmful to your fish). Good luck.
Nice rock pile dero.
 
Thanks guys. I took your advice and went over to the LRS (local rock store) and I found some very nice Pennsylvania Blue Slate that will look very nice in the tankand at $4.95/sq ft that is much cheaper than the $2/lb that the LFS wanted. I'm going to get it this weekend. :thm:
 
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