Rock/Stones for Tanganyika Biotope.

[JC_P]

I am going to be setting up a Lake Tanganyika biotope and I was just wondering what type of rock to use? since it's a biotope I would like the mineral composition of the rock to be as accurate as possible so if anyone has even the slightest clue as to what it might be, please share.

Thanks in advance, Justin

 

[cichlid_starter]

The rocks found in lake Tang are mostly smooth and rounded in texture. As for the chemistry, the water is hard and alkiline. The best rock I have found readily available is texas holey rock. Smooth and stays true to water chemistry. Also the holes in the rock are great for territory.

 

[joecoulson]

No idea if the chemical makeup is the same, but here is my Tang Biotope:

 

[JC_P]

Thanks for the input guys. I don't think I've ever really seen Texas holey rock, got any pics?

 

[joecoulson]

even though I have seen most Tang biotopes done with rounded rocks rather than jagged, I did mine the latter because of photographs like this one. I beleive that most of the rocks that the fish hide it would tend to be more erratic and irregular in shape, this is the reasoning for my choice.

 

[swk]

check youtube out. There's lots of video from divers at the lake that will help guide your choices and give you some ideas. I hate holey rock personally. It looks horrendously unnatural to me, but some folks really like it.

Also pick up a good book on tanganyika and there's bound to be alot of good underwater shots. Any of the Ad Konings books have great photography

 

[JC_P]

even though I have seen most Tang biotopes done with rounded rocks rather than jagged, I did mine the latter because of photographs like this one. I beleive that most of the rocks that the fish hide it would tend to be more erratic and irregular in shape, this is the reasoning for my choice.

I agree with your statement, the rock doesn't seem to be round at all.

 

[JC_P]

check youtube out. There's lots of video from divers at the lake that will help guide your choices and give you some ideas. I hate holey rock personally. It looks horrendously unnatural to me, but some folks really like it.

Also pick up a good book on tanganyika and there's bound to be alot of good underwater shots. Any of the Ad Konings books have great photography

I've seen the "Jewel Of The Rift" videos, it helped. The only problem is going to be finding rocks that look even remotely close to those in the documentary, I think I'll also have a look at those books you mentioned for some much needed contrast. Thanks for the input

 

[Cookie*]

One sec, I have something that should be helpful....

 

[Cookie*]

http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/aquascaping/rocks.shtml

It's an article written on which rocks/stones play a role in the aquarium, good or bad. Also, most people don't think of this while setting up a aquarium, go to your local stone yard and not the pet store. The rock is a lot cheaper at a stone supply yard and you will find literally tons of selection. They also carry large terracotta tubes/pieces that often get broken, I have picked up a few large pieces of broken stuff for 50 cents a piece as well.