What's the rule for rocks?

Midas-n-Titus

Midas-n-Titus

AC Members
Feb 19, 2006
62
0
0
I'd like to start placing some large rocks in my tank, what's the general rule for them? Is it recommended that I buy them from a FS or can I just take some from my back yard and "purify" them through scrubbing, boiling, baking, etc.?

Thanks.
 
You can use rocks in your back yard after they have been "purified" depending on what type of rock they are. I forgot exactly which you can use and which you can't. What kind of rocks are we talking about here?
 
All the rock in our tank was either picked wild...or purchased at a local landscape company...LFS prices are waaaaay to much for rock...specially if you are looking at big rocks..or a large quantity. Check out the landscapers for slate and marble types...sometimes you can get broken pieces for a great deal...
 
InvaderJim said:
What kind of rocks are we talking about here?
Click to expand...

River rock that varies in size from golf ball to football size. So, I'm not sure what the best way to clean them is.
 
If i dont pick my rocks form my back yard i buy them at a landscaping store. I buy slate for fifty cents per pound there, verses $1.99 a pound at the LFS.

Speaking of rocks... Has anyone used Decayed Grantie as a substrate? I think i want to mix it with sand or use it as a "pathway" across the sand. Any sugestions would help me out.

Thanks!
 
Any igneous rocks are fine. I use local granite rocks in my fresh tanks, never a problem, just give it a wash in hot water and a scrub to get any dirt off it.
 
From what I know, if you get a rock from the wild, you need to boil it in water for about 5 min to kill anything that my be on it. Then there's some test where if you pour something on it and it starts too fizz then you shouldnt use that rock. Maybe someone else can help you out with that part. You can also try using the search feature to find more info.. Good luck!
 
Midas-n-Titus said:
River rock that varies in size from golf ball to football size. So, I'm not sure what the best way to clean them is.
Click to expand...
Those rocks are perfectly fine, I have lots in my tanks. Just boil them for 15 min. and your set.

All my rocks are collected or purchased from a rockery(landscaping company). Actually, I get my rocks for free from the rockery, I just got some yesturday. A few rocks for them isn't worth the time to weigh them, 'cause they make plenty of money selling huge quantiities for construction, they don't care about an arm load of "scrap" pieces of rock.​


When getting rocks on your own, the only thing you need to care about is that they don't have rust on them or are rust colored. this is a sign that they contain metals and they will continue to rust in your tank. Also, stay away from sand stone, it will disintegrate over time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom