for african cichlids: slate vs lava rock

[AquariumNoob13]

Looks good. Definitely less than the pet shops, but the landscaping places around here would not sell anything for 3 cents a pound.

i just got 42lbs of lava for $7. i think its a nice deal.

 

[AquariumNoob13]

Put it in boiling water for a few minutes, and wash it beforehand if it's really dusty.

if i can't get boiling water is just hot bath water okay?

 

[ibr3ak]

Yea it's a great deal considering the rip off prices lfs's charge. You get it from a landscaper?

 

[ibr3ak]

AquariumNoob13, yea running really hot water should be enough if the rocks are not really dirty and depending where you got them.

 

[reptileguy2727]

I wouldn't boil them. Rinsing in hot water is fine. Boiling can just end up making the rock explode if there are any air pockets inside. If they are from a pet shop you definitely shouldn't have to do more than rinse off debris.

 

[AquariumNoob13]

AquariumNoob13, yea running really hot water should be enough if the rocks are not really dirty and depending where you got them.

i got the lava at a land scapers. its really not too bad, but it was pretty dusty. i rinsed it off and soaked it in hot water, but it looks pretty good now. i'll upload pics tomorrow on my 75gal progression thread. k?

 

[TheFanatic]

I go to the landscape yard where they sell all sorts of cool rocks in bulk.
You have to pick through it, but the brown rock and rip-rap are 3 cents per pound.
When I setup big tanks, I get about 250lbs for $7.50 plus tax.. and usually that's too much for my tanks.

I find that it's uneven so it looks more natural than slate, and it's not as rough as lava rock. Here is a photo... mixed in with some african rootwood.

Awesome assortment of Cichlids. Great tank...

 

[AquariumNoob13]

is that like a 500gal tank? it is HUGE!

 

[aJoe]

It won't let me erase my own message, so I will just change it to say nothing.