Unsafe Rocks for Aquarium: The Risks of Using Outdoor Gravel

An aquarium takes on a customized allure if its backside is roofed with stones you hand-picked your self, however which rocks are and are not protected to make use of? Utilizing your personal gravel or stones on the backside of the aquarium comes with some inherent dangers when you do not check the stones first. Rock composition might change the hardness and pH of the water in a approach that harms your fish. Collected out of doors stones may additionally be coated with contaminants that may have an effect on aquarium water.

Consultants have combined opinions; many argue that except you’re an professional at figuring out rock composition, it is best to go to a pet store and buy rocks and substrates which have been deemed protected for aquarium use. Different authorities, nevertheless, consider that utilizing collected gravel and stones is suitable, supplied you observe directions on methods to check them to rule out hazardous parts.

How you can Check Rocks

The principal hazard of utilizing your personal out of doors gravel and stones in an aquarium is the likelihood that they comprise calcium, which may alter the pH of aquarium water. However earlier than testing, be certain to additionally wash the stones totally to take away all free grit and contaminants.

Testing for calcium will be so simple as putting just a few drops of vinegar on the rock or gravel you’re contemplating utilizing. If the vinegar (an acidic substance) fizzes or foams on the rock, do not use it. The chemical response you’re seeing signifies that the stone comprises calcium.

One other approach of testing rocks and gravel is to put the washed stones in a bucket, absolutely submerged in a small quantity of the water you employ in your aquarium. Check the pH and hardness initially, after which let the water with rocks sit for per week and check once more. If there’s a vital enhance, these rocks or gravel will trigger issues in your aquarium.

Which Rocks Are Unsafe for an Aquarium?

The rocks to keep away from are these which might be extremely calcareous—which means they’ve a considerable amount of calcium. Additionally, at all times keep away from sharp-edged rocks that may hurt your fish. Rocks to keep away from embrace:

• Shells or crushed coral (these will not be ultimate for many freshwater tanks, however could also be used for African cichlid tanks, the place greater pH and calcium hardness are fascinating)
• Limestone
• Geodes
• Marble
• Dolomite

Safer rocks embrace:

• Granite
• Quartz
• Slate
• Lava rock (take sharp edges under consideration, significantly with fish which have delicate barbels, such because the Cory species)
• Onyx and floor glass
• Sandstone (at all times check earlier than utilizing, as it might comprise traces of limestone)

Even when you suppose you could have appropriately recognized a stone as a protected mineral, at all times check to make sure. Many gravels and rocks have a combination of minerals, even in the identical stone.

The place to Discover Outside Rocks

Outside gravel and smoothed stones will be collected within the nice open air. Attempt ocean seashores and lakefronts, in dry wash beds, or alongside the banks of streams and rivers. Nonetheless, keep away from accumulating stones from underwater places, particularly in protected environments, as eradicating stones can disturb native habitats that wild fish and flora rely upon.

You may as well buy out of doors stones from a wide range of sources:

• Panorama corporations that promote clean river rock and different aggregates
• Backyard facilities and nurseries
• House enchancment facilities with gardening departments

All of those sources can offer you cheap and enticing rocks and gravel. Simply keep in mind to take care in making your picks, and at all times check rocks or gravel earlier than utilizing them in your aquarium.