Natural Features - Rocks Etc

[webber555]

Just a quick question for when I set up my tank (as soon as the equipment arrives!) - is it okay to use any sand as substrate or do I need to buy it?

Also can I use rocks from a freshwater creek - creek is a little 'urbanised'...

What about stones bought at a hardware shop - those meant for potted plants and japanese gardens etc...

cheers.

 

[minxfishy]

Its best not to use regular building sand as it is not clean enough to my knowledge. Playsand is what most users here have, or pool filter sand or the sand you can buy from the fish shops (which is always more expensive!) It will be need to be thoroughly washed before adding the tank also.

Most of the stones sold at the fish shops will be ok as they are for the specific purpose again will need to be thoroughly cleaned in boiling hot water to eliminate any nasties that may be lurking before adding.

Rocks found in rivers/streams are generally ok, however, always do a vinegar test on the first to ensure they are safe. You put some white vinegar over the rock - the rule is - if it fizzes DONT use it - if it doesnt fizz its OK.

Hope that helps a little

 

[tyyrlym]

I'd advise buying play sand from a hardware store. Since its meant for kids its received better treatment than you average sand and less likely to have any nasty hitchhikers. It'll need a lot of rinsing before it will be ready to go in the tank but it'll look good.

I wouldn't take any rocks from a creek like that. Even with a good cleaning the rock could still leech all kinds of nasty chemicals like gasoline, motor oils, paints, etc. into the water.

Most of the rocks meant for gardens and ponds should be fine, but be sure that there isn't any limestone or the like in them. If a few drops of a strong acid on the rock makes it start to bubble and fizz that rock shouldn't go in your aquarium because it will raise your pH.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I'd advise buying play sand from a hardware store. Since its meant for kids its received better treatment than you average sand and less likely to have any nasty hitchhikers. It'll need a lot of rinsing before it will be ready to go in the tank but it'll look good.

I wouldn't take any rocks from a creek like that. Even with a good cleaning the rock could still leech all kinds of nasty chemicals like gasoline, motor oils, paints, etc. into the water.

Most of the rocks meant for gardens and ponds should be fine, but be sure that there isn't any limestone or the like in them. If a few drops of a strong acid on the rock makes it start to bubble and fizz that rock shouldn't go in your aquarium because it will raise your pH.

agree with the above, stuff like builders sand often has additives in which can leech into the water, also the grains are sharper and larger and bottom feeders like cories can cut themselves on them.

so yes play sand, pool filter sand or aquarium sand is best

 

[webber555]

thanks for the reply guys - will scout out some 'cleaner' rocks and test them. I will buy some play sand as well, and am leaning towards adding some plants - any recommendations on substrate to go under the sand?