Stones for an aquarium to choose: which are better for decoration

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The stones in the aquarium are not only part of the decor. They create conditions for fish that are close to their natural habitat. The quality of water largely depends on the type of stones. Therefore, the choice of this design element must be taken responsibly.

How do stones affect the aquatic ecosystem? And what should be considered when choosing them? We will answer these questions in the article.

Classification

On sale you can find the following types of aquarium stones:

• artificial;
• natural.

Artificial stones are made from plastic or glass. Polymer products are light in weight and can be used for the construction of various structures (rocks, grottoes). However, low-quality plastic pebbles can release toxic substances into the water and emit an unpleasant odor. Therefore, when purchasing them, you need to find out exactly which compounds are included in such a product.

Glass aquarium decorative stones are less durable thanplastic. If handled carelessly, they can easily break. This decor should not be purchased if the aquarium is inhabited by fish that love to play with stones and rummage through them. It is also undesirable to buy too small pieces of glass. Otherwise, the fish may swallow them and injure themselves.

Natural stones are divided into two types:

• processed;
• of natural origin.

Refined natural stones can be purchased at any pet store. Most often they are sold in the form of finished structures (rocks, grottoes, caves). However, this decor has its drawbacks. Aquarium structures can easily fall apart if they are made from inferior materials. And high quality products are quite expensive.

Therefore, many aquarists use stones of natural origin for decoration. Such products are rarely found in pet stores, you have to collect them yourself. Stones are taken directly from natural conditions, for example, from the sea or river bank. They must be thoroughly washed and processed before being placed in the aquarium.

Live aquarium stones can be distinguished into a special group. They are fragments of coral reefs. However, this decor is only suitable for marine fish. Inside the stones there can be various living organisms: beneficial bacteria, algae, crustaceans, mollusks.

Live rock for a marine aquarium can act as a filter. They purify the waterfrom harmful impurities and convert ammonia into harmless nitrogen. In addition, decorations form shelters in which fish can hide. Live stones can be purchased at pet stores, the price of such products is quite high.

Impact on water

Stones in an aquarium can affect water quality. Therefore, they must be selected very carefully. Before purchasing or collecting stones yourself, you need to find out what characteristics of the aquatic environment your fish need.

There are rocks that increase the hardness of water. These include:

• slates;
• limestone;
• marble;
• some varieties of tufa;
• dolomite;
• shell;
• white sandstone (porous).

Such stones are suitable for an aquarium with guppies, platies, mollies, barbs. These types of fish thrive in hard water.

There are also rocks that increase the alkalinity of water. These include:

• limestone;
• calcareous tuff;
• white porous sandstone.

When placing such stones in an aquarium, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the fish and the acid reaction of the water. If the alkalinity is too high (pH above 9), the well-being of the inhabitants of the aquarium may deteriorate. Excessively alkaline environment causes increased production of mucus on the body and incoordination in fish.

Which stones in the aquarium do not affect the quality of the water? Neutral breeds include:

• quartz;
• lava;
• gneiss;
• granite;
• grey sandstone.

These varieties of stones are suitable for any aquarium. They are practically safe.

There are times when aquarists acquire or pick up rocks with unknown properties. How to check if a given breed affects water parameters? This can be done with a simple test. It is necessary to drip a small amount of vinegar or hydrochloric acid onto the surface of the stone. If the liquid begins to bubble and hiss, this indicates the presence of carbonates. Such rocks increase the hardness and alkalinity of water.

If orange or green spots appear on the surface during acid exposure, this indicates the presence of metals in the rock. Such stones are not suitable for use in an aquarium.

What is a Kenyan stone

Recently, the Kenyan stone for the aquarium has gained great popularity. With it, you can create a design similar to the seabed. However, not all aquarists are aware of the composition of this stone and its effect on water.

Kenyan stone is mined on the shores of Lake Victoria in Africa. This is a sedimentary rock with a combined composition. It contains the following elements:

• limestones;
• calcites;
• dolomites;
• remains of fossil shells;
• traces of animal skeletons.

The stone contains a large amount of limestone, so it can increase the alkalinity and hardness of water. This decor is not suitable for any home pond. Kenyan stone is ideal for a cichlid aquarium. These fish love hard water. In addition, the stone contains many pores and burrows that can serve as hiding places for cichlids.

Selection criteria

To choose the right decor for your home pond, you must adhere to the following recommendations of experienced aquarists:

1. Stones should be light. Otherwise, they may break the glass of the aquarium when they fall.
2. There should be no orange or green spots on the surface. Such inclusions indicate the presence of harmful metal impurities. Stones that exude a smell are also not suitable.
3. Sufficiently strong, do not crumble or crumble - another important characteristic.
4. The presence of sharp protrusions on the surface of the stone is excluded. Fish can get hurt on them.
5. It is necessary to know in advance about the influence of this breed on water characteristics.

It is recommended to place dark-colored stones in the aquarium. In the aquatic environment, they look more aesthetic.

Self-collecting stones

Many aquarists are engaged in self-collection of stones for a home pond. Breeds are recommended to be collected in the following places:

• by the sea or river;
• in marble and granite quarries.

In no case should you collect stones near quarries, as well as in places contaminated with pesticides and radiation. It is forbidden to place ore in the aquarium. It should be remembered that an unsuitable or contaminated stone can cause mass death.fish.

Pre-training

Any stone must be processed before being placed in the aquarium. This also applies to products purchased in the store. The stones should be thoroughly washed under running water, cleaning them with a stiff brush. It is necessary to clean all the dirt from each crack. Do not use detergents for this. Even a small amount of household chemicals can have an extremely negative impact on the quality of the water in the aquarium.

Stones must be completely dry. Then a vinegar or hydrochloric acid test is carried out, which reveals the presence of carbonates and metals. After that, washing is repeated.

Sea stones for an aquarium need to be handled especially carefully. A large amount of s alt accumulates on their surface. These deposits must be completely removed with a brush.

Heat treatment

Washing cleans the surface of stones from impurities. However, water cannot completely destroy bacteria. Heat treatment is necessary to remove microorganisms.

The stones should be put in a bowl, pour water and cook after boiling for about 20 - 30 minutes. You can also bake them in the oven for 20 minutes. After cooling, the stones are ready to be placed in the aquarium.

Gem Care

Not all breeds tolerate water well. Often, various deposits appear on their surface. Why is a green coating formed on the stones in the aquarium? This question is often asked by beginner aquarists.

Green patina canappear due to poor filtering or too powerful lighting. These factors contribute to the growth of blue-green algae. In this case, remove the stones from the water and clean them from plaque with a stiff brush.

Sometimes the surface of the stones darkens and becomes almost black. Most often this is due to improper lighting. Black plaque is also removed with a stiff brush. To prevent its reappearance, it is necessary to change the light conditions in the aquarium.

Accommodation

How to put stones on the bottom of the aquarium? The following placement rules are recommended:

1. It is very important to correctly position the largest stone. Its structure should be clearly visible through the glass. This instance will form the center of the composition.
2. Large stones should be placed on the left side. In this case, they will look less bulky. Small specimens are placed on the right.
3. If stones are placed in small groups, then all instances should be approximately the same size.
4. Massive specimens should not be placed close to the glass. Otherwise, under the pressure of gravity, it may crack. It is also not recommended to place stones in only one part of the tank. They should be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the bottom.

It's not uncommon for aquarists to create large stone structures. In this case, parts of the composition must be fastened with a special compound - aquasilicone. It is harmless to fish and provides high stability of the structure.