Collected Rocks from the shore of Lake Erie

[BuffaloPolypteridae]

I will add pics soon as I get home, I collected a good amount of what I believe is

different shades of sandstone (purples and reds)

what we call around here tiger rocks (they are speckled with black, red, and white and sparkle in the light. I don't think these will work in aquaria but would like to get second opinions)

some bright orange rocks that are slightly porous I have never seen before going to that particular beach

some bright white rocks, smooth and not porous

I am inbetween vacations right now and picked these up near the New York - Ohio border on a beach. I have done some vinegar tests, and the bright orange rocks fizzle quite strongly and those are the only ones. Nothing on what I suspect is sandstone (I know these are safe for aquaria) or on the white rocks, and a slight reaction on the tiger rocks.

Upon some research it seems there are mixed opinions on the vinegar test, some say that some rocks that react are fine to use. while others say no. I would like to get MFKs input on this one

thanks in advance!


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[Garshark]

i would boiling them first

 

[Oddball]

Do any of the rocks look like these collected from Lake Erie?

 

[aclockworkorange]

Do any of the rocks look like these collected from Lake Erie?

View attachment 943592

Those are awesome. What gives them that pattern?


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[Oddball]

They're called Petoskey stones. They're compressed fossil coral found mainly around Lake Michigan but can also be found around Lakes Erie and Huron. These are basically compressed calcium carbonate and can serve to maintain a high pH in aquaria. An added benefit is that they can be sanded with a coarse grinding disk then, a medium grinding disk, and finally with a fine polishing sanding disk and when placed in water the coral polyps can be easily seen.

Here's a couple of polished petoskey stones:

 

[lix.ma14]

Do any of the rocks look like these collected from Lake Erie?

View attachment 943592

are they rare? so lake erie used to be salt water or something?

 

[coolkeith]

are they rare? so lake erie used to be salt water or something?

more than just lake erie

 

[David R]

Upon some research it seems there are mixed opinions on the vinegar test, some say that some rocks that react are fine to use. while others say no.

This is the difference between knowing what to do and knowing why you're doing it.

The vinegar reacts with calcium, meaning rocks that "fizz" will increase the hardness and pH of the water, which can be undesirable or desirable depending on the type of fish you're keeping.

 

[BuffaloPolypteridae]

none of the rocks look like those beautiful coral skeletons, but I have seen them before while fishing. Ill need to go looking for these guys soon! are they safe for aquaria? if not there going into the snake terrarium

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[Oddball]

Petoskey stones are safe in aquaria. As previously stated, these fossils will raise your pH so don't use them in tanks with species that prefer soft acid water.