Cichlid-Forum

Stone type is really a personal preference so which do you like better?

I don't care for flat stones so my choice would be the rocks in photo 2 but at least twice as many and stacked taller.

I agree, go with what you like. But I like #2 better and yes double the amount of rocks. Tank looks very nice either way.

OK I think I'm going with #2 for now, I went and gathered some more from the spot I get them at, which is on the side of an on ramp to a highway near me, its a huge cliff that is covered in those, its used for drainage. Should have about double the amount now. I'm making some changes to the plumbing on Friday so I'm going to remove the rock and rearrange after.

Aren't you worried that the rocks may have been contaminated by either pesticides or road runoff contaminants? I don't recommend getting rocks this way for a number of reasons.

It’s always a worry that rocks collected outside could be contaminated in some way.
Most of my rocks were collected from the beach, I put them in the dishwasher with a little white vinegar.
After soaked in tap water with a splash of prime over night, all good.

I know people mention using bleach to clean them, but not a fan of using that for anything aquarium related.
Washing and oven baking is another option.

Yes roadside rocks are risky for a variety of reasons. Pretty though.

I soak all the rocks in bleach and Simple Green for at least an hour, then I scrub them with a brush, THOROUGHLY rinse them, and then I actually let them soak again in fresh, clean water. I've been doing this with all of the rocks I've collected, no matter where I get them. I've never had a problem. These types of rocks aren't porous, so cleaning them is actually fairly easy. If they were porous I wouldn't use them because then contaminants can actually soak into the rock. Thats when it becomes a problem.

Tank setup is now complete, including custom PVC plumbing, new light, and a bunch more rocks. I tried something a little different with the rock arrangement this time...