What is the procedure for putting rocks that you find outside in your aquarium? Is this safe to do, I don't want to buy rocks very expensive plus I live in the rocky mountains so I have thousands of rocks at my disposal.
Earth stones
- Thread starter mostlycichlids
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Make sure you know your rocks so you don't accidentally put any minerals in the tank. Otherwise, you can wash them in warm water to get all the dirt off (no soap). I use a mild bleach solution when I do that, then rinse really well. I suppose you could also boil them, but I've never had the need to do that.
calcarious rocks will leach carbonate and calcium into your water, increasing your gH, kH and pH. the degree to which this can happen depends on your particular water chemistry. the extent to which this may be problematic depends on whether you're keeping fish that prefer low mineral content water or those that prefer hard, alkaline water.
you can test for the presence of carbonate in the rocks by dripping some muriatic acid on them and seeing if the area bubbles/fizzes. muriatic acid can usually be obtained from such as Lowes, or Builders Emporium, or similar. be careful with the acid of course.
you can test for the presence of carbonate in the rocks by dripping some muriatic acid on them and seeing if the area bubbles/fizzes. muriatic acid can usually be obtained from such as Lowes, or Builders Emporium, or similar. be careful with the acid of course.
What are some types of common rocks I can put into a african mbuma tank?
I am not too familiar with all types of rocks. I guess I should research them better. So basically I should not use rocks that are calcarious? Is there anything else to look out for I was thinking of adding some to my sa cichlid tank as well.
I am not too familiar with all types of rocks. I guess I should research them better. So basically I should not use rocks that are calcarious? Is there anything else to look out for I was thinking of adding some to my sa cichlid tank as well.
vinegar is acetic acid ... not strong enough to accurately indicate the presence of CaCO3 in rock.
African Mbuna actually prefer the water chemistry that will result from using calcarious rock. you wouldn't want to use it for Discus and/or other Amazonian fish that come from 'soft' water habitats.