Suitable Rocks For Aquarium

[RossC]

Hello everyone been a while since I've posted on here.
Was just wondering what rocks are suitable for a freshwater tropical aquarium? My pH is already above 7 so the less of an effect on the pH the better really. Also where to get the rocks from as I know just picking rocks from gardens and fields can be full of contaminants.
Thanks!

 

[manxjason]

Hi Ross,

There's a simple test. Find a rock, add a few drops of vinegar to is. If it bubbles, it'll increase your PH. If it doesn't bubble, it'll have little or no effect on your water.

In terms of finding rocks. Don't worry about where you get them from. I recently picked upa boot load of slate from a wall which had been crashed into. Filled a container with warm water and started scrubbing. The water will soon turn brown, don't worry. Continue to scrub, and rinse the residue off with water from the tap (I used the shower in the bathroom to rinse, and the container inside the bath).

Following that, set the kettle to boil and place your rocks into a bucket. Fill the bucket with boiling water until the rocks are submerged. Use hot water from the tank when filling the kettle, to avoid electricity bills rising and save time. The process of soaking in boiling water will kill any bacteria or insects living in the rock.

If you have any more Q's, let me know

 

[FishBlast]

I find these rocks perfect for my tank. I wouldn't mind if they'd raise my ph a bit, since I've heard that the water tends to go towards acidic when the tank is cycled, so it might balance it out.
But then again, I have a lot of livebearers who like higher ph anyway.

 

[manxjason]

I find these rocks perfect for my tank. I wouldn't mind if they'd raise my ph a bit, since I've heard that the water tends to go towards acidic when the tank is cycled, so it might balance it out.
But then again, I have a lot of livebearers who like higher ph anyway.

The end result of the cycling being Nitrate, is actually acidic which is why you'll find that a Tanks' ph will decrease over time. That's why it's important to use buffers to maintain carbonate hardness, and in turn PH.

If you want to have a lower PH, then the use of RO water is recommended as your tank water will likely differ to your tap water.

 

[FishBlast]

The end result of the cycling being Nitrate, is actually acidic which is why you'll find that a Tanks' ph will decrease over time. That's why it's important to use buffers to maintain carbonate hardness, and in turn PH.

If you want to have a lower PH, then the use of RO water is recommended as your tank water will likely differ to your tap water.

Yeah, I know that Nitrate's the reason. But I think that rocks might help with keeping PH in range of 7 if it tends to go to 6. In my case, I need higher ph since my swordtails like it in that range + harder water.

Yet, I have no idea where my tank's PH is at, all I know is the monthly tap water reports from the water company, and the tap ph is usually between 7.20 and 7.50. Seeing as I do water changes almost daily + a bigger change at the end, I might have a balanced PH.

 

[RossC]

Thanks for the replies, I didn't think it was as easy as that LOL