Can I put rocks from outside in my aquarium?
The principal danger of using your own outdoor gravel and stones in an aquarium is the possibility that they contain calcium, which can alter the pH of aquarium water. But before testing, make sure to also wash the stones thoroughly to remove all loose grit and contaminants.
How to Prepare Rocks for an Aquarium - YouTube
Rocks and wood provide a great deal of surface area for the nitrifying bacteria to colonize on. These bacteria help to eradicate ammonia and nitrites from your aquarium – important since both of these substances are toxic to fish.
| Picture | Name | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Editor's Choice! | Ohko Dragon Stone | Planted Tanks |
| Best Value | Black Mountain Seiryu Stone | Planted Tanks |
| Budget Option | Black Lava Rock | Planted Tanks |
| Traditional Seiryu Stone | Planted Tanks |
DONT Skip This Step Before putting Rocks In your Aquarium - YouTube
The principal danger of using your own outdoor gravel and stones in an aquarium is the possibility that they contain calcium, which can alter the pH of aquarium water. But before testing, make sure to also wash the stones thoroughly to remove all loose grit and contaminants.
Toothbrushes and toothpicks work well for soft rocks and minerals. Use a toothbrush to remove material from the surface and a toothpick to remove dirt and mud trapped in small cavities. Wire brushes and dental picks work well for hard stones.
| Safe Rocks for Aquariums | Unsafe Rocks for Aquariums |
|---|---|
| Slate | Lava Rock |
| Granite | Marble |
| Quartz | Limestone |
I tend to use about double the weight of rock as gallons of water in my tank (so for example, in a 55 gallon tank I use 110 lbs of rock). This is just a general rule for me because it usually provides me with more than enough rock to make large stacks and I have never had a problem with this much weight on my glass.
Use crushed coral or dolomite gravel for substrate. These calcium carbonate-based gravels slowly dissolve over time, raising and buffering pH. Decorate your aquarium with limestone or coral rock. As with driftwood for lowering pH, use a healthy amount of calcium carbonate rock to create the desired effect.
How can I get cheap aquarium rocks?
Stop Wasting Money on Aquarium Rocks! Cheapest Way to ... - YouTube
As a general rule, terra cotta clay pots and other dinnerware are safe in your aquarium; however, those with lead and copper glazing should be avoided. Decorative ceramic mugs and plates can provide fun hiding places for your most timid fish as long as they meet the safety requirements.
Marble is not a good idea for aquariums because it can alter the pH levels of the water in your aquarium and make it unsafe for the fish in it.
The small particles can end up back in the water column, causing the tank to look cloudy. Cloudiness caused by insufficiently cleaning new aquarium gravel can be difficult to clear up once the tank is assembled. Also, the dye used to color new aquarium gravel can discolor tank water as well.
Your fine imo. I scrub my rock in old tank water with peroxide and rinse with the hose in an other bucket. The tap water tds here is a bout a billion and smells like bleach. I use another bucket of old tank water and let it rest with a power head though and add bacteria.
| Safe Rocks for Aquariums | Unsafe Rocks for Aquariums |
|---|---|
| Slate | Lava Rock |
| Granite | Marble |
| Quartz | Limestone |
How to Prepare Rocks for aquarium use - YouTube
