Member

Posts: 20
From:cinderford, england
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-18-2004 05:13 AM         

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Hi all, just wondering if there is a way i can tell if a stone/rock is suitable for aquarium decor. thanks.

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Member

Posts: 194
From:Sterling Heights, MI, U.S.A.
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-18-2004 07:16 AM         

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where would u be gettin this rock/stone at. rocks and stones at aquarium stores are suitable. if u found this rock outside and want 2 add it, then boil it for about 5 mins b4 u put it in ur tnak 2 kill any parasites.

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-18-2004 07:32 AM         

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You also want to make sure that the rock will not affect the hardness or salinity of your tank. Rocks containing calcium (limestone, coral etc.) can leach hardening the water. Rocks containing salt crystals (potash etc.) will turn the tank saline. Good choices are most igneous rocks like granite.

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Member

Posts: 501
From:Missouri
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-18-2004 07:54 AM         

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An easy way to test for calcium is to put a little vinegar on the rock. If it fizzes, the rock will leach calcium into the tank and increase the harness.

-Chelle

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-18-2004 09:49 AM         

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That will work if your rock is the same throughout (homogenous). If not, you'll have to dip the whole thing in vinegar. For salts, let it sit in a bucket of water for a few days and see if it becomes pitted or dissolves. If you have the test kits for you aquarium anyway, just drop them in a pail of water for a week and then measure hardness and salinity - then you'll know for sure.

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Member

Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-18-2004 11:23 AM         

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hmmm...I did the vinegar test on shale and nothing happened - although it was advised (strongly) that I not use it for the reasons above anyhow....it's really not worth it if you have a lot of fish- or fish that you would not want to risk losing. I heard slate is okay.

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-18-2004 02:56 PM         

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If they told you not to use it because of Ca content I would have to say they're wrong. Shale is basically compressed mud and silt. It may contain some mineralized phosphorous and could conceivably contain particles of other minerals, but it is primarily made up of fairly inert particles. Monteray Bay Aquarium has a shale reef display.

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