silverado61
Well-Known Member
When I build my 72 gallon I'm going to put in a 4 inch sand base. Is there anything I can put under the rock to raise it so I don't bury it under all that substrate? Like maybe 2 inch paving blocks? Ideas?
substrate and rocks question.
- Thread starter silverado61
- Start date
foodshape
Member
Just curious, would new paving blocks not present the risk of a concrete 'curing' phase, causing the PH to hit the roof? As for used pavers, I'd think you'd want to be sure they weren't used in a driveway or anywhere where petrochemical products or fertilizers may have leached into them...
Not trying to be argumentative - I have heard of pavers being used in aquariums before - the above is just my reaction to the thought of it.
Not trying to be argumentative - I have heard of pavers being used in aquariums before - the above is just my reaction to the thought of it.
bang guy
Moderator
You are 100% correct foodshape. If it were me I wouldn't worry about it but I would definitely test to ensure you're not putting live rock into water that's too Alkaline. I don't think it would take long to cure even if they did present a bit of lime to the tank but that's a good catch.
silverado61
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by foodshape http:///t/396853/substrate-and-rocks-question#post_3535778
Just curious, would new paving blocks not present the risk of a concrete 'curing' phase, causing the PH to hit the roof? As for used pavers, I'd think you'd want to be sure they weren't used in a driveway or anywhere where petrochemical products or fertilizers may have leached into them...
Not trying to be argumentative - I have heard of pavers being used in aquariums before - the above is just my reaction to the thought of it.
That's what I was wondering. That's why I posted the question. Thanks guys. What about slate bought new? Would that pose a problem?
Originally Posted by foodshape http:///t/396853/substrate-and-rocks-question#post_3535778
Just curious, would new paving blocks not present the risk of a concrete 'curing' phase, causing the PH to hit the roof? As for used pavers, I'd think you'd want to be sure they weren't used in a driveway or anywhere where petrochemical products or fertilizers may have leached into them...
Not trying to be argumentative - I have heard of pavers being used in aquariums before - the above is just my reaction to the thought of it.
That's what I was wondering. That's why I posted the question. Thanks guys. What about slate bought new? Would that pose a problem?
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
as far as I know, slate is inert. that would be good enough for me...
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/396853/substrate-and-rocks-question#post_3535881
as far as I know, slate is inert. that would be good enough for me...
Hi,
I always thought slate had trace metals and could not be used in a SW tank...So many things I always thought was a huge no, no, is turning out to be just a myth.....so what about this one?
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/396853/substrate-and-rocks-question#post_3535881
as far as I know, slate is inert. that would be good enough for me...
Hi,
I always thought slate had trace metals and could not be used in a SW tank...So many things I always thought was a huge no, no, is turning out to be just a myth.....so what about this one?
silverado61
Well-Known Member
Guess I'll have to research it and see what I can find out. I would just hate to bury good rock, live or not, in 4 inches of sand.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Clownfish breeders use a small piece of slate to encourage clownfish to spawn on it. I have seen slate in cold water tanks with nps corals. I can only assume it is fish and invert safe.
silverado61
Well-Known Member
Coming from you that's all I need to know. Thanks Seth. Hope you had a Merry Christmas.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/396853/substrate-and-rocks-question#post_3535891
Clownfish breeders use a small piece of slate to encourage clownfish to spawn on it. I have seen slate in cold water tanks with nps corals. I can only assume it is fish and invert safe.
Wow...I love the look of slate, I kept it in my freshwater tanks, and all this time I could have used it.
I did find this tidbit of information:
The best choices are lava rock, reef rock and live rock. Limestone, reef rock, live rock and tufa rock are all alkaline in nature and will help to buffer your pH and keep it at the higher level required for a marine tank. Lava rock, slate and petrified wood do not effect your pH, and some of the buffering capacity in your tank may be lost, so you will have to keep a closer watch on your pH then you would using the others.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/396853/substrate-and-rocks-question#post_3535891
Clownfish breeders use a small piece of slate to encourage clownfish to spawn on it. I have seen slate in cold water tanks with nps corals. I can only assume it is fish and invert safe.
Wow...I love the look of slate, I kept it in my freshwater tanks, and all this time I could have used it.
I did find this tidbit of information:
The best choices are lava rock, reef rock and live rock. Limestone, reef rock, live rock and tufa rock are all alkaline in nature and will help to buffer your pH and keep it at the higher level required for a marine tank. Lava rock, slate and petrified wood do not effect your pH, and some of the buffering capacity in your tank may be lost, so you will have to keep a closer watch on your pH then you would using the others.