Wild-caught Decor

[pangasiusfan]

What are some safe decor I can find outside and will not affect water chemistry and PH, etc.

Would seashells work?
What about the freshwater ones I see at the lake? those washed up shells.

Any big rocks and stones?

 

[Ianab]

Seashells are mostly lime, they will affect your water hardness and pH.
Great if you want hard alkaline water for African cichlids, not so good otherwise.

Most rocks will be safe, unless they also contain a lot of lime. To test them for lime, drip some vinegar on them. If they fizz and bubble they are limestone, dont use them.

Otherwise - 99.9% safe, just give them a good wash and put them in.

Cheers

Ian

 

[sicxspeed]

nice, i was wondering that myself.