Tufa Rock and Decor Suggestions?!

[dougolasjr]

I saw some Tufa rock in the looking mega fish store, and I was wondering how it might affect my shrimp tanks if I decided to purchase some. I have Red Cherry Shrimp, Ottos, rams, Mts, and pond snails.

1. Will it be okay for otos?
2. What will it do for water chemistry (Raise PH/hardness)?
3. Would that be okay for inverts listed?
4. Anyone else have experience with tufa rock?
5. Suggest some other kind of rock that is either lightly colored or really dark for nano tanks?

Thanks
Doug

 

[Dr.Ed]

It'll definitely raise both pH (not sure how much; it's mainly calcium carbonate) and hardness (not too much, because it dissolve very slowly). On the other hand, Lava rock is basically inert.

 

[dougolasjr]

Lava rock is the Red rock looking one?

 

[Dr.Ed]

Yes. The cheapest one is that sold in walmart for gardening?

 

[dougolasjr]

Would the tufa rock be good for snails?