Rock ID?

[appleton71]

I know this is kind of a weird request, but can someone tell me what type of rock this is? It came in a batch of live rock I got on CL and I'd like to use it in my new FW setup but I don't want it messing with my parameters. It's quite dense and heavy. I've been soaking it for several weeks in FW.

Thanks!

 

[stevo01]

What FW setup is this for? One thing to be aware of is carbonate rocks being used in FW tanks will raise the PH. This is good if its for an African rift cichlid SU with 8+, but unnatural for tropical tanks that require 6.5-7. You can test the rock using a few drops of straight vinegar or muratic acid dripped onto the rock. If it fizzes like soda its carbonate base. If it doesnt fizz with vinegar means at least its outside is not carbonate based. You could also test the PH of the water youve been soaking it in.

 

[appleton71]

What FW setup is this for? One thing to be aware of is carbonate rocks being used in FW tanks will raise the PH. This is good if its for an African rift cichlid SU with 8+, but bad for tropical tanks that require 6.5-7. You can test the rock using a few drops of straight vinegar or muratic acid dripped onto the rock. If it fizzes like soda its carbonate base. If it doesnt fizz with vinegar means at least its outside is not carbonate based. You could also test the PH of the water youve been soaking it in.

It'll be a FW community tank. The PH was the main thing I am concerned about. I never thought about checking the PH of the soaking water. I just changed the water this morning so I'll wait a week or so and check it.

 

[jsker]

Look like good old reef Rock and needs a soak to be cleaned, then introduced in the the system. There are some different methods of clean the rock but from what I am reading Bleach to kill the organic matter and muriatic acid to bring down the carbonate. I am sure someone will come along how has done this before and through the exact way how to do it. Here is a bunch of post on clean rock link

 

[stevo01]

Imo, when it comes to rocks you want to buy them from a reputable source, or be able to properly ID and test for anything leeching out. Limestone is great as long as your using it in a high PH FWSU. I think this is some dense old limestone maybe?

If collecting rocks avoid collecting them from anywhere near a mine, or waste area. You want to avoid any metals in general. They should be water resistant and not crumble over time. Slate is better than shale, as some shale will leech out oil. Also avoid fools gold, pyrite.

For lower PHFW setups I would go to a clean dry river bed, collect, and then once home kill off everything on those rocks in a vinegar bath.

Hope this helps you.

 

[stevo01]

It'll be a FW community tank. The PH was the main thing I am concerned about. I never thought about checking the PH of the soaking water. I just changed the water this morning so I'll wait a week or so and check it.

Community meaning PH7? If thats the case might use riverstones instead.

 

[Eddie Rogers]

It looks like lace rock

I had the same question as you
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/aquarium-safe-rock.281369/#post-3422099

 

[stevo01]

It looks like lace rock

I had the same question as you
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/aquarium-safe-rock.281369/#post-3422099

Yup i think your right on! So its low carbonate based, and shouldnt be too much trouble. If you use it i would test your PH every few months. That said a lot of FW fish adjust to higher PH gradually over time

 

[stevo01]

You wouldnt want to use it on black water fish.

 

[appleton71]

Community meaning PH7? If thats the case might use riverstones instead.

Yep. Looking for PH in the 7 range. After comparing to many pics online, I'd agree my rock is lace rock.

I've always tested my water pretty religiously so it will be checked often.

Thanks for all the help and input!