Creating natural, functional cichlid display tanks

[kewpiefishypewpie]

Thanks for this thread Stanzzzz7

Could you elaborate on collecting aquarium safe rocks at all?

 

[Hendre]

Thanks for this thread Stanzzzz7

Could you elaborate on collecting aquarium safe rocks at all?

Drop some vinegar on the rocks, if it doesn't react then it's usually safe. If it fizzes that means it is reactive and can leech minerals into your water

 

[kewpiefishypewpie]

Drop some vinegar on the rocks, if it doesn't react then it's usually safe. If it fizzes that means it is reactive and can leech minerals into your water

And that works for all kinds of rocks?

 

[Hendre]

And that works for all kinds of rocks?

Mostly. Rocks that release carbonates will react with vinegar

 

[kewpiefishypewpie]

Cool thanks Hendre

Would love to hear if Stanzzzz7 has any further insight too.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Cool thanks Hendre

Would love to hear if Stanzzzz7 has any further insight too.

I have yet to find a rock that can't be used in fish tanks.
Some rocks like limestone and other chalky type rocks, as Hendre mentioned can buffer the water. The buffering capacity can vary from one type of rock to another. I have found the buffering capacity of rocks like limestone hardly noticeable, especially when combined under a regime of large scale water changes.
If you wish to keep c/a cichlids or African rift lake cichlids, any naturally sourced rock that is free from contamination should be safe.
If you wish to keep soft water species then do the vinager test to be sure they have no buffering capabilities.
Smooth round rocks found on the beech and round water worn river rocks are normally inert. Chalky rocks like limestone tend to be the ones that harden water.
Simply scrub clean any collected rocks and pour boiling water over them, you should have no issues and it's probably a lot less risky than sourcing your own wood.

 

[kewpiefishypewpie]

I have yet to find a rock that can't be used in fish tanks.
Some rocks like limestone and other chalky type rocks, as Hendre mentioned can buffer the water. The buffering capacity can vary from one type of rock to another. I have found the buffering capacity of rocks like limestone hardly noticeable, especially when combined under a regime of large scale water changes.
If you wish to keep c/a cichlids or African rift lake cichlids, any naturally sourced rock that is free from contamination should be safe.
If you wish to keep soft water species then do the vinager test to be sure they have no buffering capabilities.
Smooth round rocks found on the beech and round water worn river rocks are normally inert. Chalky rocks like limestone tend to be the ones that harden water.
Simply scrub clean any collected rocks and pour boiling water over them, you should have no issues and it's probably a lot less risky than sourcing your own wood.

You're a wealth of knowledge sir, thank you.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

You're a wealth of knowledge sir, thank you.

Thank you kewpiefishypewpie, my pleasure.

 

[Icecold Dan]

Stanzzzz7 Do you have any experience or thoughts on palm fronds? I've got several varieties in my yard (Sabal, Pindo,Fan) that I thought would look great in the aquarium build I'm working on.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Stanzzzz7 Do you have any experience or thoughts on palm fronds? I've got several varieties in my yard (Sabal, Pindo,Fan) that I thought would look great in the aquarium build I'm working on.

Yes, palm leaves look very good in fish tanks. I've used a few varieties in the past, mostly trachycarpis and washingtonia.
The only thing I will say is make sure they are completely dead and dried out with no green colour left in them. Palm fronds hold sugars that can start to pollute your water. If they are completely dry, you have nothing to worry about.
I would also avoid very sharp palm leaves like phoenix canariensis.
Excuse my spelling of palm species, it may be a little off.
Good luck and happy aquascaping.