Putting rock from the side walk in my tank?

[Zfishies]

Just as the title says. i picked up about 50lb was wondering if i can even use it? if so ill go pick up 100lb+ for my 700g . there doing construction and are breking down the side walk so there is HUGE chunks just sitting there. Why waste it if i can put it in my fish tanks!

 

[NHfishguy]

Not sure I fully understand...are these chunks of cement or asphalt or cobblestones. If cement I'd guess yes with caution. Ive seen it used in african and salt tanks, but havent done it myself so YMMV. May screw with your pH and Alk so test them often in the beginning to be safe. Asphalt NO WAY. Cobblestones it depends on the type of rock.

Tom

 

[Zoodiver]

I wouldn't. You can't be certain as to the mix of what is in it or what it's been soaking in (engine coolant, oil, other pollution....)
If it's concrete, it will spike you pH and leach lime (and a few other minerals) into the water.... really messes up chemsitry.

That being said, I'm guessing it's pretty solid.. so it's not really helping like pourous 'live' rock would in aiding biological filtration.

 

[Zfishies]

its not the one on the rodes i know i cant use that one for sure, its the one that you walk one. the concreate part. would pics help? i still dont think i can use it then hahah

 

[talal101]

i would say no, no matter what because cement is very very porous and although it may look clean and even if you have boiled it, it may still have oils and chemicals and may leach lime which can kill your whole system, so i say dont.

 

[Otherone]

Stone used for sidewalk bases is called 2A crushed stone - it is granite - full of quartz silicates and very slow to breakdown or errode. At the very least you'll have a never ending algae and diatom issue.

 

[shua71]

Clearly you can't afford the live rock. Not to be harsh but the 700 gallons seems way out of your range. First you ask on how to make the rock and now you're thinking of picking up rock off the sidewalk. I think you're biting off way more than you can chew with this 700 gallon project.

 

[Zfishies]

i can but why not save $ to put it tword different things for tank? I have found I place that can supply me with700pounds of already cultured rock. I don't understand why I cant be money smart?

 

[shua71]

i can but why not save $ to put it tword different things for tank? I have found I place that can supply me with700pounds of already cultured rock. I don't understand why I cant be money smart?

Theres a fine line between being money smart and pulling rocks from the sidewalk of a construction site. I'm not looking to start an argument here. Once you get your 700 gallon up and running put up some pictures

 

[Zfishies]

I was doing that because I know someone who has it in his tank ill be telling him its not good for his tank though. I'll post up all my plans and filtration and would like to get your opnion and others if I can do this properly. Am not trying to be an ass its just a different tone when you type something out.