Slate In Tanks?

[ghent_3rd]

I know bogwood needs to be soaked before putting into tanks but does the same apply to slate?

 

[smithrc]

if your cutting it up etc - its best to rinse it off

 

[fishie_bird]

also if your getting it from outside, shouldnt you do a test on it to make sure it doesnt have any accids?

 

[ghent_3rd]

Thanks smith, might have guessed you would reply, the leader of all things catfish

I am starting South American Biotope this week, at least 2 plecs and 2 or 3 shoals of corys as well. Please see thread that will be completed in few minutes to check out my decor and comment, bought the decor today, not even got the tank yet!! )

The slate has been bought from very reputable LFS called Natural World in Leicester, reviewed in Feb 06 edition of PFK so is safe as far as I am aware. I actually work for B&Q, the Home Depot of the UK for you all across the pond!! We sell slate in big boulders but no-one could give me definate answer as to whether it will be safe for tank use. Still getting my PVC pipe from there though for my plecs to hide in!!

 

[smithrc]

Thanks smith, might have guessed you would reply, the leader of all things catfish

I am starting South American Biotope this week, at least 2 plecs and 2 or 3 shoals of corys as well. Please see thread that will be completed in few minutes to check out my decor and comment, bought the decor today, not even got the tank yet!! )

The slate has been bought from very reputable LFS called Natural World in Leicester, reviewed in Feb 06 edition of PFK so is safe as far as I am aware. I actually work for B&Q, the Home Depot of the UK for you all across the pond!! We sell slate in big boulders but no-one could give me definate answer as to whether it will be safe for tank use. Still getting my PVC pipe from there though for my plecs to hide in!!

If your trying for a natural looking tank - have a look at using bamboo - looks loads better than PVC

 

[ghent_3rd]

The way I am doing it is pushing the pipe right into a raised section of gravel so all it will be is a hole in the gravel really. Therefore, hopefully I won't see the pipe at all!!

I am trying to uplaod some images of my new decor but am really struggling because I have no browse button on my topic? How is it done, I have read the pinned thread in the forum further down but that hasn't shed any light, please help someone!!

 

[Saedcantas]

The vast majority of the pieces of slate you ever come across will be completely inert, unless they contain unusual impurities they will not have any effect on your water, so long as you give them a quick scrub and a wash before placing them in your tank, pieces from the LFS and your work are exactly the same Just buy those that are cheaper

 

[ghent_3rd]

i bought some slate from LFS in the end. the slate from work was a bit big, MASSIVE boulders actually!

 

[BigIan]

i bought some slate from LFS in the end. the slate from work was a bit big, MASSIVE boulders actually!

how massive is massive? and how much does it cost?

As i`m after some slate for my tank and its easy to dress (cut to size) when you have the right tools

 

[ghent_3rd]

i bought some slate from LFS in the end. the slate from work was a bit big, MASSIVE boulders actually!

how massive is massive? and how much does it cost?

As i`m after some slate for my tank and its easy to dress (cut to size) when you have the right tools

I might be nipping into work today so I will take pictures and get them posted so you can see them.

 

[Fella]

I bought slate from B&Q in huge boulders, and simply smashed it to bits with a big hammer. It was tricky to do but saved me a lot of money in the long run as I was planning to stack in a cichlid tank. The effect is great, and all I had to do to before I put it in was rinse it off.

 

[Jules H-T]

I got a load of slate free, from a firm that makes fireplaces and kitchen worktops. Just find one in the phone book and ask them if they have any offcuts.

 

[ghent_3rd]

I bought slate from B&Q in huge boulders, and simply smashed it to bits with a big hammer. It was tricky to do but saved me a lot of money in the long run as I was planning to stack in a cichlid tank. The effect is great, and all I had to do to before I put it in was rinse it off.

It would definately work out cheaper to do it this way but I only need a small amount anyway because i'm only doing South American tank.

 

[harryman]

No

 

[Ptarmigan]

.