Seashells and Rocks

I

Infiniplex Syst

AC Members
Nov 28, 2005
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I want to build up my 46 gallon tank a bit more. I am wanting to get some rocks (aquarium safe) and build caves and what not for my fish. What kind of rocks do you suggest. I was suggested slate rock, or sandstone. Can anyone link me to pics of correct rocks so I dont go buy the wrong rocks. I live in the DFW area of TX, so if you suggest certain rocks I can get for free in this area, please let me know. Also, I would also need some sort of glue to keep them together and falling on the fish. What do you suggest?

I also have seashells from San Diego I got 7-9 years ago. I boiled them all 4 times, scrubbed, rinsed and boiled again. These include hermit shells, sand dollars, and various small - large clam/oyster shells. I also think I have some sort of coral, but I will take pics of this later on when I get my camera back from the shop.

I also want to do some wood, I guess you guys call it driftwood here. Where do I get this? Straight from the river, specially bought? Please let me know on this as well.
 
slate is good for aquariums. sandstone too. granite is also a good choice. use the 'image' tab on 'google' if you want some pics... i bet you could do fine for sites if you research 'geology labs' or something. overhead lighting 'egg crating' is good for displacing rock weight if this is a new setup.

i've found good rock at contractor suppliers. the type of place that deals with landscaping contractors and such. they deal in large quantities of slate and often will sell smaller pieces for little money... certainly less than a fish store will charge. i found some nice granite from Wisconsin at a place like this.

on wood, yeah you can scrounge the riverbottoms, but you might be better off heading toward the gulf in your area, as sea wood tends to be better, IMO. i'm kinda new here, but i'm sure there are some decent threads in the archives about 'curing wood'. or 'driftwood'....

coral is largely calcium carbonate in composition, and will steady dissolve, driving up KH and pH... just a heads up. riverine clams should have little effect. not sure about the sand dollars. avoid limestone for this reason, too.

local quarries are also a good rock source. they should know exactly what kind of rock they are dealing with too. last time i set up a tank, i got some really nice chunks for free. people like to hear a good story.

hope this helps.
 
Avoid any shells, not only for their calcium carbonate content but also because they are completely unnatural in a freshwater environment. Freshwater fish have been known to get injured on them because they're not used to their existence. Not only that, do you really want your tank to look that unnatural?
 
Geez Louise.

This is the THIRD time you've posted asking if it's okay to put the shells and coral in your tank. A couple of people said it was okay. Some very reputable and knowledgable members said either NO or TEST THEM.

What is it you want? Do you want everyone to say it's okay? It's not going to happen. The stuff *will* change your water. We use Crushed Coral (which contains shells) to raise the pH and KH in our tanks to make it safer to inject CO2. If it didn't work, we wouldn't use it.

Please, either just put the shells in or don't put the shells in. It's your tank, it's up to you. No one here that has already said no is going to change their minds.

Kay?
Roan
 
Roan Art said:
Geez Louise.

This is the THIRD time you've posted asking if it's okay to put the shells and coral in your tank. A couple of people said it was okay. Some very reputable and knowledgable members said either NO or TEST THEM.

What is it you want? Do you want everyone to say it's okay? It's not going to happen. The stuff *will* change your water. We use Crushed Coral (which contains shells) to raise the pH and KH in our tanks to make it safer to inject CO2. If it didn't work, we wouldn't use it.

Please, either just put the shells in or don't put the shells in. It's your tank, it's up to you. No one here that has already said no is going to change their minds.

Kay?
Roan
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Roan. I am going to have to ask you one thing. I appreciate the posts, but please do not post in my threads anymore. I have asked 3 times, your right, but things changed. Maybe some people didnt get to see the post, and I needed more answers. Just stay out of my threads, if it offends you that much. Thanks.
 
I say go for it! just get some snails and maybe they can use the calcium. But hey i think it'll be okay cuz there a freshwater snails and crayfish and shrimp right? they contain lots of calcium and they live in the same environment as the fish.
 
Infiniplex Syst said:
Roan. I am going to have to ask you one thing. I appreciate the posts, but please do not post in my threads anymore. I have asked 3 times, your right, but things changed. Maybe some people didnt get to see the post, and I needed more answers. Just stay out of my threads, if it offends you that much. Thanks.
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*shrug* Whatever floats your boat. I won't post in any of your threads anymore. Like I said, it's your tank, you do what you want.

Roan
 
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