Rust Underwater On Rocks?

[Lord Zogat]

Is it possible for rocks to rust in the tank...I though it was only when exposed to air. Or is it because I have the heat cranked to 90 and have a bubbler going non-stop for my fishless cycle? Some of my slate rocks appear to have brownish lines along some of the seams.

 

[wodesorel]

Iron ore does occur naturally in some rocks. Where did you get them from?

 

[Lord Zogat]

Iron ore does occur naturally in some rocks. Where did you get them from?

Kettle Point Ontario

I would say based on the color of the rock in that area it is very high in Iron Ore as most of the rocks are orange rust in color. I was just suprised to see it react underwater. I assume this is harmful for the fish?

 

[wodesorel]

Could be, it'll be worse for scaleless fish, snails, and shrimp and they react more strongly to heavy metals. You should be getting an over load of algea pretty soon, too, unless you have a planted tank.

If it were my tank, I'd remove them. Rocks that contain iron usually will contain other minerals/metals that wouldn't be good for aquatic life in a closed enviroment like an aquarium.

And yeah, iron will rust underwater - it oxidizes in water, and the heat just makes it happen faster!

 

[Bullrock74]

Could be, it'll be worse for scaleless fish, snails, and shrimp and they react more strongly to heavy metals. You should be getting an over load of algea pretty soon, too, unless you have a planted tank.

If it were my tank, I'd remove them. Rocks that contain iron usually will contain other minerals/metals that wouldn't be good for aquatic life in a closed enviroment like an aquarium.

And yeah, iron will rust underwater - it oxidizes in water, and the heat just makes it happen faster!

Plants are not affected by the high ammonia levels that occur during cycling? I am asking because I always just assumed they woud be.

 

[Lord Zogat]

So it sounds like the slate has to come out! darn, and I have huge cave structures made with it.

Has anyone ever had any issue with putting floor tiles in the tank? I have tiny 3 inch square stone colored tiles I could cut apart from the sheet they come in and use them instead. I'd like to keep the caves in tact with amaterial that will not harm the fish. The tile material is hard stuff, so its a good quality tile material.

 

[LiveLifeGoJump]

There's a good post (pinned I thinks) somewhere on the forum regarding rock suitable in tanks.

Try this link http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...5806&hl=pebbles