Rock decorations

[beblondie]

Safe Rocks:
Crystalline Quartz
(Rock Crystal, Amethyst, Citrine, Rose Quartz, Smokey Quartz)
Granite
Jade
Lava Rock
Microcrystalline Quartz
(Jasper, Agate, Chalcedony, Sard, Carnelian)
Onyx
Petrified Wood
Quartz
Slate

Unsafe Rocks:
Coal
(Commercially harvested coal is treated with an oil by-product to reduce dust)
Coral
Dolomite
Fools Gold
(or any other rock with metallic veins--Acid Producing)
Fossils
Limestone
Marble
Sandstone

A couple of simple tests
1).To test if a rock is safe place a drop of muriatic acid on it,if it fizzes the rock is unsafe you could use vinegar in lieu of the acid but it won't be as accurate a test.
2).take a cup of your source water test the pH add the rocks,sand or whatever then test the pH again note any changes.Wait an hour and recheck the pH.

 

[Lantz]

Limestone is unsafe? I was going to put some TEXAS HOLEY ROCK in my tank and its Limestone. what is it that makes it harmful?

 

[jschall]

Limestone is unsafe? I was going to put some TEXAS HOLEY ROCK in my tank and its Limestone. what is it that makes it harmful?

It'll increase the pH of your water to around 8 and make it really hard. Rift valley lake cichlid keepers typically use it because of that and because it provides a lot of hiding areas.

 

[wolfsburgfanatic]

I thought beblondie was back for a sec.... just an old thread