Filters/rocks

Peanutsweet

AC Members
Feb 20, 2006
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I am wondering if there are any filters which mount outside of the tank that do not have any parts that will need replaced?
I have a box filter and it has been making a terrible racket for a couple months. Im thinking it is the impeller? Going to look at the store to see if I can fix it :huh:
but I am setting up a 29 gal and need to buy a filter for that. So I am wondering if I can find something without these parts that wear out!


Also, I have some rocks that are very light weight, tan color and very porus-full of small holes- looks like lava rock except that it is tan. If I boil these can I use them in a tank with angels? Is lava rock safe to use in a tank?

Thanks!!
 
I know of no filter that can't eventually break down, but I have had luck with AquaClears. A single 30 or maybe two 20s.

Lava rock is safe, but it sounds like you have tufa rock. I've been told that tufa will raise your Ph, so its good for a brackish tank. Not so good for freshwater.
 
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well i am partial to aqua clear filters have been running them for 3 years now w/o any problems and or replacement of anything. i still do the maintenance on the impellers (cleaning them) but other than cleaning out the intake tubes thats all i really do. and as for the lava rocks yes they are safe for aquarium use as long as they are cleaned very well. may i suggest baking rather than boiling as i have read many harmful parasites can withstand boiling temps. and when u bake rocks u can maintain a much higher temp for as long as u want. i would say baking ur lava rock at 375-400 degrees for 10-15 min. should be sufficient. i would actually put the rocks in as the oven preheats and once the preheat is done then bake for 10-15 min. thats just my opinion tho.
 
Thanks for the info.
Not sure about the rock, I'm in Missouri, and picked it up in a load of decorative gravel used outside. I've never heard of tufa rock, probably dont have it around here? Anyway, I think I will pass on using it though, becuase our water has a high enough ph without adding to it LOL

The baking idea is great, I think the rocks I do use, I will bake them.


Thanks!!
 
Another question,
does lava rock change the ph?

Also, has anyone used petrified wood in a tank?

thanks again!!
 
Peanutsweet said:
Another question,
does lava rock change the ph?

Also, has anyone used petrified wood in a tank?

thanks again!!

lava rock will affect the ph but some raises and some lowers
the on i have actually lowered the ph.
petrified wood is perfectly fine in a tank i have used them and it really didnt do aything to the water
 
there is a chance that your pumice or tuff won't even sink, a lot of that stuff floats because there is so much gas trapped inside the rock. That is why there are little holes, from escaping gases. If you get normal wood, just soak it for a few days. Boil more water and pour it over it at least every day. Do this for two ro three days and you wont have any problems with leaching.
 
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