Help with choosing rocks

[s2kdan]

Hi I am in the process of starting up my saltwater tank. I ended up buying caribsea mountain stone and tufa stone prematurely.

After doing some research it seems like the mountain stone is not suitable...but I really like the look of it as I am trying to get a bit different look then the typical saltwater tank.

Would I face any issues with keeping these stones or should I return it?

Thanks in advance

 

[Biglew11]

I'd return it. You could get lucky and be ok, but more than likely the land based rock will contain minerals and stuff you dont want in a reef tank. And it wont be porous, so it wont offer much surface area for biological filtration to take place.

 

[s2kdan]

Both rocks or just the Mountain Stone?

 

[WVNed]

I dont see anywhere it tells you what this is beyond a rock. I don't think you going to get anything but negative responses out of cautiousness.

Your only other option is to put it in a bucket of saltwater for several days and then test the water with the normal tests and see if it makes any negative changes.

 

[s2kdan]

I dont see anywhere it tells you what this is beyond a rock. I don't think you going to get anything but negative responses out of cautiousness.

Your only other option is to put it in a bucket of saltwater for several days and then test the water with the normal tests and see if it makes any negative changes.

Not sure why I would get negative responses. I came here asking for advice and if people cant give insights, then not sure what to say. I thought this forum is about learning and helping eachother.

Its not like I already started cycling and planning to add fish soon.

 

[Anemone_Fanatic]

I wouldn't risk it. Freshwater rocks are likely to lower your PH, as well as not provide a good surface for beneficial bacteria. If we are thinking of the same rock, tufa is very brittle and erodes easily. Besides, dry rock isn't really ideal for a saltwater tank. If I were you, I'd return the rock and order some KP Aquatics or TBS live rock from the gulf. If you do want to use the rock, you should let it soak in a bucket of saltwater that has correct parameters for a week or two. If the parameters of the water stay good, it is safe to use. If they change, don't use it. I hope that this helps!

 

[s2kdan]

I wouldn't risk it. Freshwater rocks are likely to lower your PH, as well as not provide a good surface for beneficial bacteria. If we are thinking of the same rock, tufa is very brittle and erodes easily. Besides, dry rock isn't really ideal for a saltwater tank. If I were you, I'd return the rock and order some KP Aquatics or TBS live rock from the gulf. If you do want to use the rock, you should let it soak in a bucket of saltwater that has correct parameters for a week or two. If the parameters of the water stay good, it is safe to use. If they change, don't use it. I hope that this helps!

Thank you I'm just going to stick to the classic saltwater rocks

 

[WVNed]

Not sure why I would get negative responses. I came here asking for advice and if people cant give insights, then not sure what to say. I thought this forum is about learning and helping eachother.

Its not like I already started cycling and planning to add fish soon.

All
I meant was most will say not to use them.