Lava Rock Water Filter? Trust The Answer

In general, most lava rock is basically the same as basalt, just with bubbles in it. per se it should be rather inert and not affect pH.

Does stone increase pH?

Yes. If your rocks are actually limestone, they are the cause of the pH increase in your aquarium water. Limestone is calcareous (contains calcium) and is known for its ability to both soften water and increase pH.

What is the pH of lava rock?

Forbidden. I’ve always seen lava rocks in cichlid tanks. Everyone has told me that it keeps the pH at 8.0

Which stones lower the pH?

Decorate your aquarium with limestone or coral rock. As with driftwood to lower the pH, use a healthy amount of calcium carbonate rock to achieve the desired effect.

Which stones do not affect pH?

Lava rock, basalt, granite, slate, quartz, flint, quartzite and obsidian are all perfectly safe.

Does gravel affect pH?

Most gravel and sand is inert (with the exception of coral sand and peat, etc.), meaning it will not affect the pH of your aquarium water.

Does sandstone increase pH?

Sandstones are high in silica and therefore result in neutral or slightly acidic soils where the pH can be as low as 3.5.

Does lava rock have a pH?

In general, most lava rock is basically the same as basalt, just with bubbles in it. per se it should be rather inert and not affect pH.

Does lava rock mess up the pH?

Do lava rocks affect the pH of the aquarium? No, lava rock does not affect your pH at all and is perfectly fine with the fish you keep. The rocks are mostly stable, or sluggish if you will, so no worries.

Is lava acidic or basic?

Basaltic magma that is high temperature, has very little silica, and low gas content. This type of magma produces liquid lava with very little explosive activity. Basic lava that is not acidic and very fluid. Gentle sides as the lava flows long distances before solidifying.

What lowers the pH in the aquarium?

Here are a few recommended methods to lower the pH in your aquarium:

chemical solutions. Arguably the most common way to lower the pH in an aquarium is to use a bottle of chemical solution.

driftwood.

peat moss.

Catappa Leaves.

CO2 reactors.

water change.

reverse osmosis units.

How do I lower my pH?

To lower the pH, use a special chemical additive for swimming pools called a pH reducer (or pH minus). The main active ingredients in pH reducers are either hydrochloric acid or sodium bisulfate (also called dry acid). Reducers are available at pool supply stores, hardware stores, and online.

Limestone increases pH?

If your rocks are actually limestone, they are the cause of the pH increase in your aquarium water. Limestone is calcareous (contains calcium) and is known for its ability to both soften water and increase pH.

Does granite increase pH?

kids boogie. I didn’t know granite could raise the pH, but as long as you change the water it’s not a problem.

What Stones Are Unsafe for Aquariums?

Stones to avoid include:

Shells or crushed coral (these are not ideal for most freshwater aquariums but can be used for African cichlid aquariums where higher pH and calcium hardness are desirable)

Limestone.

geodes.

Marble.

Dolomite.

What Types of Stones Are Safe for Aquariums?

Aquarium Rock Recommendations

Research has found that volcanic rock can help purify water – for drinking and in the coalbed gas industry.

Researchers have successfully tested the volcanic rock filtration technology with coalbed gas associated water from a number of coalbed basins and expect to have the system commercially operational within the year.

Sodium salt concentration is the major water quality problem plaguing the coalbed methane industry and few solutions to this problem have existed apart from very expensive desalination plants.

Volcanic rock filters have offered the industry a cost effective and natural solution; one that also has the potential to improve the quality of urban drinking water in saline areas.

Natural disasters are constantly changing the earth’s surface – one of the most violent disasters is the volcanic eruption. It’s easy to see these fire-breathing mountains through the lens of doomsday scenarios: they’re huge, explosive, and mostly unpredictable. The most famous eruptions covered entire communities. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, it spat out enough ash to cover the entire city of Pompeii, perfectly preserving it for future archaeologists. The recent eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 was devastating to say the least.

In Hawaii, they even have entire folklore traditions centered around their volcanoes—understandably. When Kilauea erupted on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2018, it opened huge vents in the ground — miles from Kilauea’s craters, mind you — spewing lava into the air and forcing the immediate evacuation of residents of the Leilani Estates neighborhood.

Sulfur dioxide filled the air, causing what The New York Times called “an immediate mortal danger to all who are exposed.”

Around the world, volcanoes exist mostly along the boundaries of tectonic plates. As plates float on the Earth’s core of molten rock, they collide and alter the Earth’s surface (and civilizations) above. Volcanic eruptions are caused by magma (molten rock) that is less dense than the surrounding cool rock above. This lower density allows it to rise to the surface, but on its way, gases in the magma dissolve, creating bubbles that put tremendous pressure on the rock above. This pressure causes the magma or (as we commonly call it) lava to erupt to the surface, and thus a volcanic eruption occurs.

First comes magma, then ash and chemicals

Volcanic eruptions are certainly spectacular sights, but they devastate the areas around them, destroying homes and communities. Volcanic eruptions are good for the environment in the long term in the sense that they reshape the landscape and often create new landscapes. The lava’s heat releases important minerals into the soil it covers. But in the short term, eruptions destroy the Earth’s terrain and sometimes, as in the case of Hawaii, communities. People lose their homes and homesteads and sometimes even their lives.

But there’s another, less obvious, concern when volcanoes erupt: what the ash and chemicals released by those eruptions can do to our water supply.

Lava may be fiery, but it also moves slowly. Ash, on the other hand, floats. Even if you are a significant distance from an erupting volcano, it can affect your local air and water. Remember back in 2010 when Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano (what a name!) belched smoke and ash into the sky for days? Ash from Eyjafjallajökull blanketed European countries miles away and even cut off flight routes from Canada and the US to the European Union. And much like the ash that spreads after a wildfire, all of this material has to settle somewhere. Much of it is flushed into the water supply.

Ash in raw (or untreated) water supplies causes a variety of problems. For one, it pollutes the water and makes it undrinkable. Additionally, ash increases both the acidity and turbidity of the water – which are literally particles floating in the water – and this sediment can result in blocking the sun’s rays from disinfecting the water (which means more disease can spread bacteria) to increased algae and even cyanobacteria. Turbidity also causes problems for water treatment plants and also makes disinfection at treatment points more difficult. More silt and heavy metals in the water are difficult to filter out, and more of it makes its way through the treatment stage to the household faucet.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, most volcanic ash turbidity disappears within a few days and sometimes even hours. Nevertheless, short-term water shortages can occur. The concern, however, is what a ride on that ash will put into our H2O. The USGS adds, “Closer to the volcano, water-soluble components adhering to glass particles and crystals in the ash can cause chemical changes” that can temporarily make the water too toxic to drink. Smaller pieces of ash in particular pose considerable problems for the fresh water supply. Because of their size, there is more surface area for toxic chemicals released by the eruption to adhere to. With lighter weight, smaller particles also travel much further, so even a single ml of fine ash can contain significant levels of chemicals such as fluorine to be toxic to livestock.

In fact, so-called “ash falls” can be poisonous to animals. This is partly due to fluorine particles that can attach themselves to these tiny bits of ash. This proved deadly to New Zealand livestock in 1995 when fluoride poisoning killed 2,000 grazing livestock after the Ruapehu erupted. Ash falls can also cause intestinal damage, fluorosis, and metabolic disorders.[5] If it does that to animals, imagine what ingesting ashes would do to human tissue.

Get ash out of your water

So if you live downwind of a volcano, how do you protect yourself and your family once you’re out of the immediate danger zone? If you have your own water storage system, isolate your kegs from their source and keep them covered. This protects the water you’ve already collected from mixing with the ash as it settles. If you happen to be raising livestock, keep them off the pastures until it has rained enough to clear the ash from the fields, and bring them bottled water until the ash clears the waterways. A filtration system can provide a second level of protection, removing much of the sediment that municipal water treatment may miss, especially when ash clogs or shuts down these systems. A reverse osmosis system, in particular, removes most of the fluoride from the water, as well as other heavy metals that may come from volcanic ash.

There are three main types of filter media – mechanical, biological and chemical. All are designed for a specific task and can be used individually or in combination.

Mechanical filtering

Mechanical filtration captures particles that pass through it and purifies the water. It is the most basic form of filtration and the one that most people can actually see as it can turn dirty water full of particles into clear water.

Many different materials can be used in mechanical filtration, but the most common are sponges or filter foams, dental floss, cotton wool or filter floss. Drum filters are also mechanical filters that direct water through a fine, self-cleaning screen fabric. Clean water flows through the drum and dirt stays outside and is flushed into the waste.

Mechanical filter media require the most maintenance because they are at the forefront of filtration. Sponges and filter floss trap more and more particles until they clog with dirt and either stop flow to the rest of the filter or direct water to a bypass. When the mechanical filtration gets dirty it needs to be cleaned or replaced with a new one and that is the main reason we clean our filters.

Biological filtration

Biological filtration provides a home for live, beneficial bacteria to establish. Its bacteria that allow fish farming as fish produce waste through their gills which however poisons them if left untreated. In nature, fish waste is either diluted by the sheer size of the lake or washed away in rivers and streams.

In a pond we use bacteria to convert ammonia from fish into nitrite and then into nitrate. Without these little, tireless helpers in processing fish waste, we wouldn’t be able to keep as many fish in our ponds and they would die from poor water quality.

There are many different types of biological filter media, from large plastic tubes to small plastic beads, ceramic shapes to jagged stones, coarse mats to circles, crosses, and sponges. A sponge can work both mechanically and biologically and is often the only form of filter media in very simple filters.

Surface area is key to effective biological filter media as it requires millions of tiny pores for bacteria to attach and find a home. Dirt particles should always be removed mechanically beforehand, as these clog the tiny holes and suffocate the bacteria.

The size of the surface varies from medium to medium with many conflicting views as to which is best. Pretty much any organic media is sterile when you first buy and install it, so it takes time to mature and build that layer of beneficial bacteria.

Bacterial deficiency is the main cause of fish deaths in ponds. To combat these seeds, test new filters with bacteria, water, and slowly build up supplies. Living bacteria need oxygen from running water Pond filters need to be running 24 hours a day.

With separate mechanical and biological filtration, the mechanical media can be cleaned and replaced regularly, but the biofilter must always be mature and trouble-free. If you throw away or wash your biomedia under running water, you lose the bacteria and they are the life support system for your fish pond.

chemical media

Chemical filtration is less common in pond filters but can be used for a specific task. Carbon, zeolite and phosphate removers are three examples of chemical media added to the filter to suck up contaminants such as color and odor (carbon), ammonia (zeolite) or phosphate.

Pond water yellows over time from algae, fish food and biological filtration processes so charcoal can act as a final water purifier to give you clear water but it must be used in conjunction with mechanical and biological filtration. Zeolite can be used in water quality emergencies to remove ammonia from water, although it should not be used long-term as it starves bacteria of their food source. Phosphate and nitrate removers do just that and are most commonly used to cure algae problems in ponds.

All chemical filter media have a limited lifetime and must be removed and discarded when saturated. Change chemical filter media monthly.

Which is the best pond filter medium?

The best filter media is a combination of mechanical media and separate biological media. The mechanical medium captures physical waste and the biological medium transforms liquid waste. Choose a pond filter with separate mechanical and biological media, with space to add a chemical media bag if needed.

What’s happening? Water filtration is a method of cleaning water by passing it through a filter (permeable substrate). Permeability (perm-e-a-bil-e-tee) is the measure of how easily a liquid can pass through a substance. This activity explores the different filter media available. Once water is dirty or polluted, it can be very complicated to clean. It can take many steps to filter dirty water! The rocks and sands formed by erosion serve a very important function: they help clean our water supply. Sand and gravel are good water filters because they form permeable layers. When the sand particles are next to each other, there are tiny spaces between them. Water can slowly flow through these tiny gaps, trapping some of the dirt particles. The smaller the particles, the smaller the interstices in the layer and the smaller the dirt particles that can be trapped. In general, when comparing the flow rate between different filters, it turns out that the narrower the gaps in the filter, the slower the water flow. These small gaps cause tiny dirt particles to be trapped in the filter media. A slower flow of water through the system creates cleaner water!

What’s happening? Water filtration is a method of cleaning water by passing it through a filter (permeable substrate). Permeability (perm-e-a-bil-e-tee) is the measure of how easily a liquid can pass through a substance. This activity explores the different filter media available. Once water is dirty or polluted, it can be very complicated to clean. It can take many steps to filter dirty water! The rocks and sands formed by erosion serve a very important function: they help clean our water supply. Sand and gravel are good water filters because they form permeable layers. When the sand particles are next to each other, there are tiny spaces between them. Water can slowly flow through these tiny gaps, trapping some of the dirt particles. The smaller the particles, the smaller the interstices in the layer and the smaller the dirt particles that can be trapped. In general, when comparing the flow rate between different filters, it turns out that the narrower the gaps in the filter, the slower the water flow. These small gaps cause tiny dirt particles to be trapped in the filter media. A slower flow of water through the system creates cleaner water!

Why does it matter? In the environment, erosion is responsible for the movement and redistribution of sand and gravel, which helps clean our natural water supply. A more complex version of sand and gravel filters is replicated in water treatment plants, where it helps remove fine flakes, algae and silt from the water. This is just one step in the purification process of drinking water. Wetlands are also very important for purification of water. They are very effective in purifying water and act as great filters to reduce water pollution. Do your research to learn why wetlands are so effective at purifying water. Discuss why it is important to protect wetlands.

Why does it matter? In the environment, erosion is responsible for the movement and redistribution of sand and gravel, which helps clean our natural water supply. A more complex version of sand and gravel filters is replicated in water treatment plants, where it helps remove fine flakes, algae and silt from the water. This is just one step in the purification process of drinking water. Wetlands are also very important for purification of water. They are very effective in purifying water and act as great filters to reduce water pollution. Do your research to learn why wetlands are so effective at purifying water. Discuss why it is important to protect wetlands.

Investigate further How many steps does it take to filter the dirty water? Can you do it in fewer steps?

Compare the efficiency of large gravel to small grains of sand related to filtering water from nature.

Compare the flow rate between different filter systems.

Create a filtration system using peat moss (available at garden centers) or activated charcoal (available at many drug stores). Compare the results.

Discuss the importance of water and water quality in our daily life.

Discuss the filtration process (using large stones versus small ones). For more on this topic, check out these Let’s Talk Science resources: What’s the Best Way to Clean Up an Oil Spill? (Hands-On Activities) – In this activity, learn about the properties of materials and the challenges involved in cleaning up an oil spill.

Thanks for your visit! By the way… all links on this page that lead to products on Amazon and other shops/partners are affiliate links. Aquarium Store Depot earns a commission when you make a purchase.

It seems like a great idea to just go to your local pond or river and grab any rocks you find and add them to your tank. My advice is not to do that. This can be a recipe for disaster. Today’s post is all about the best rocks for a freshwater aquarium. There is a lot to consider before throwing the found rock into your aquarium.

Rocks can change the chemistry of our aquarium and have disastrous consequences for our precious livestock. If you don’t know what the rocks can do to your aquarium chemistry, you may be venturing into a world of pain and heartbreak.

Also, freshwater aquarium rocks can be cornerstones of your aquascape. Other times they are accents. They fulfill several purposes for us in aquariums. They offer our fish protection and shelter and are a feast for the eyes of the aquarium owner and his house guests.

Today’s post covers it all. I’ll go through the types or stones used for freshwater aquariums and then compile a list of the best stones to buy online. There are affiliate links in the posts which may earn me a commission if you decide to make a purchase for free. Let’s continue with this disclosure and get started.

What to look for when buying a stone for a freshwater aquarium

In general, most freshwater fish and plants prefer softer water and a lower pH. Being aware of this fact, we want to avoid rocks rich in calcium. Rocks high in calcium will change the water chemistry of our aquarium. This makes our water hard. They also change the pH of the aquarium and make our aquarium alkaline. That’s great for African cichlids and saltwater aquariums, but disastrous for most tropical fish we can buy.

We need to dissect rocks further to understand what makes a good freshwater aquarium out of rocks. Let’s dive into the types of rocks.

The three types of aquarium rocks

We can classify freshwater aquarium rocks into three categories: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks.

igneous rock

Igneous rock is any type of crystalline or glassy rock. These are formed by the cooling and solidification of molten earth material. Aquarium stones of this type in our trade include dolerite, gabbro, granite, basalt and lava rock.

sedimentary rock

Sedimentary rocks are rocks formed by the accumulation or deposition of small particles and subsequent cementation. Aquarium stones of this type in our trade include marl, limestone, sandstone, breccias, conglomerates and slate.

metamorphic rock

Metamorphic rocks are formed by the transformation of existing types of rock. The original rock form has been subjected to heat and pressure that cause physical or chemical changes. Aquarium stones of this type in our trade include quartzite, dolomite, marble, slate, slate and hornfels.

Aquarium rocks that change chemistry

Now that I have explained the types of rocks, let’s talk about the aquarium rocks that can change the chemistry of our tanks. We can divide them into two types.

Aquarium stones that lower the pH and soften the water

Aquarium stones that increase pH and harden the water

If we want to lower the pH and soften our water, we want to use aquarium rocks like sandstone and basalt. If we want to raise the pH and harden our water, we want to use aquarium rocks like marble and limestone

There are also rocks that perform functions with planted aquariums. Lava rock can be used to fertilize aquatic plants, for example. Granite is one of the safest rocks to use in an aquarium due to its neutral nature. It’s also one of the hardest.

9 Safe Stones for Freshwater Aquariums

Now that we have a basic understanding of freshwater aquarium stones, it’s time to talk about the best ones to buy. Below is a recommended list of the best freshwater aquarium rocks to buy online. I will go into more detail on each in my reviews.

In a hurry? I recommend Ohko Drachenstein!

Let’s take a closer look at why these rocks stand out!

1. Ohko Dragon Stone Rock – Great rocks for planted tanks

Ohko Dragon Stone is one of the favorite aquarium stones for use in Iwagumi Aquascapes. These rocks are not only beautiful, they are also natural in nature. They will not alter your pH or hardness as they are granite based. They will look fantastic in any planted tank setup. They are full of holes, nooks and crannies, making them very good rocks for a natural shelter for your fish.

These are the hottest stones for professional aquascaping projects these days. Check out the BucePlant video above to see how amazing they look. Like any aquascaper’s favorite rock, they come at a higher price point.

advantages

Stones do not change pH or hardness

Great looking rocks

Many sizes available

Disadvantages

Price

Best for – planted tanks

2. Black Mountain Seiryu Stone – Best value in unique looking rocks

Best Vaue Black Mountain Seiryu Stone Best value for money With an amazing black and white contrast, Black Mountain is an excellent choice for any aquascape. It is cheap! Click for the best price

If you are looking for a unique looking aquarium stone, check out the Black Mountain Seiryu Stone. The unique white veins really stand out in an aquascape. They don’t change your pH or hardness, so you can add them to any aquarium setup. These stones are hard to find, so keep an eye out if you like them and want to buy one. The great thing about buying through our link is that Buce Black Seiryu sells super high quality and in packs of up to £30!

advantages

Stones do not change pH or hardness

Amazing unique look

Many sizes available

Disadvantages

Availability

Price

Best for – planted tanks

3. Black Lava Rock – A cheap aquascaping rock

Budget Option Black Lava Rock Budget Option Good choice for budgets. Doesn’t alter your chemistry and provides habitat for beneficial bacteria. Click for the best price

Quality lava rock is hard to find online. It’s fairly common to see listings of lava rocks being used as biomedia or chimneys. This makes sense as they are great for housing beneficial bacteria and make great stones for fire pits. However, this limits what you can buy online.

When it comes to aquarium lava rock, these Black Lava Rocks from BucePlant are what we are looking for. These are large stones with unique shapes, unlike most pet stores. If you are looking for high quality lava rock, check out the store and selection.

advantages

Black color works well with aquascapers

Price

Lava rock has several beneficial properties

Disadvantages

Not as pretty as the big aquascaper rocks

Best for – Freshwater tanks

4. Traditional Seiryu Rock – the aquascaper’s choice

If you are looking for a pro quality aquascaping rock but is beyond the budget of Ohko, I would highly recommend Buce Seiryu Rock. Seiryu is the godfather of all aquascaping rocks. These are handpicked stones from Buce. With their excellent customer service and quality reviews, you can’t go wrong with them!

You won’t be disappointed if you go with them! Great detail and texture comes with these stones.

advantages

Great rock samples

Great reviews and testimonials

Hand picked stones

Disadvantages

Price

Best for – planted tanks

5. BucePlant WYSIWYG Stones – For the pro aquascapers

Premium Pick Buceplant WYSIWYG Stones The finest available online Buceplant offers the premium stones online. Showpiece What You See Is What You Got (WYSIWYG) bricks. Get your centerpiece today! Click for the best price

We start this list with quality aquarium rocks. These stones offered by BucePlant are what we in the industry call What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) stones. This seller lists individual stones or sets of stones that you can purchase and you will receive the exact stones in the picture. This is the best way to get large aquarium rocks for aquascapes if you want to do big projects.

In my opinion, WYSIWYG vendors are the sellers to turn to when looking for a large display stone. These are great for planted aquariums and are highly recommended if they are within your budget.

advantages

You get exactly what you see in the photo (WYSIWYG)

Large aquarium rocks available

High quality stones

Disadvantages

Limited Quantities

Expensive

Best for – planted tanks

6. Lifegard Aquatics Redwood Petrified Stone – aquascape sets made for you!

Ideal for beginners Lifegard Aquatics Redwood Petrified Stone A complete set for you. This is a great choice for someone completely new to aquascaping. Buy from Amazon

Are you looking for a ready-made aquascape set for you? Then the Lifegard Aquatics Petrified Wood Sets are for you. These aquarium rocks are sold in packs for specific tank sizes. Simply order the space for your aquarium and you’re good to go. No need to guess or pick stones. These sets use pertified wood instead of stone. This makes the look of your aquascape very unique.

Lifegard also offers another variant called the Klondike Petrified Stone Set if you are looking for a different shade or color. I love these kits for first time aquascapers. It’s wood versus stone, which may bother a purist but isn’t a problem for a newbie. The price is pretty reasonable too!

advantages

Does not change pH or hardness

Ready for you sets

Unique appearance

Disadvantages

It’s wood versus stone – some purists might not be fans

Best for – planted tanks

7. Penn-Plax Deco-Replicas Ornament Series – Great for territorial fish

Penn-Plax Deco Rock Simple and designed for cichlids. These rocks provide shelter for your territorial fish. Buy from Amazon

Penn-Plax Deco-Replicas Ornament Series are resin ornaments that resemble natural granite. They are excellent for territorial fish such as cichlids. Each aquarium rock acts as an individual home or condo for your fish. Because they are resin based they will not affect your water chemistry and are very easy to clean due to their smooth outer surface. They are also very easy to stack and form a flat share.

What I don’t like about these stones is that they are rough on the inside. This is due to their resin composition. The resin has been smoothed out on the outside but not on the inside. This leads to rough and sharp edges within the structure. This makes them unsafe for sensitive species like betta fish. You can smooth them out with a file, but given their price, it’s probably better to look at another product if you have sensitive fish.

advantages

Cheap

Easy to clean

Ideal for territorial fish

Disadvantages

Rough Inside – Not safe for sensitive fish like Bettas

Best for – Cichlids

8. Small World Slate & Stone Rock – Slate at a great price

These slate aquarium rocks from Small World are a great deal. The product pictured above are the 5-7 inch brick sets. These are high quality slate pieces from the USA. Small World Slate and Stone is a small family business and their customer service is top notch.

Slate does not change your pH or hardness. They are great for aquascaping and creating caves and structures. They are also great for reptiles as they retain heat well. Slate is one of the most popular stones for garden and pond hardscaping.

Slate is easy to break or crack. Be very careful when handling the stones as they can chip off easily.

advantages

Good price

Does not change pH or hardness

Leavened from the USA and owned by a small company

Disadvantages

Easy to splinter or break

Best for – Freshwater tanks

9. Texas Holey Rock – Perfect for African cichlids

Great for African Cichlids Texas Holey Rock Natural Limestone With its ability to increase pH and hardness, this stone is an excellent choice for African cichlids. Buy from Amazon

If you own African cichlids, these limestone cliffs are perfect for them. Texas Holey Rock has several advantages for African cichlids. Composed of calcium carbonate, these stones buffer pH and hardness, solving your African aquarium water chemistry problems. The holes make excellent shelters and aggressive curbs in your freshwater tank.

These stones are sourced locally in Austin, Texas. The team that selects these stones takes care to find high quality specimens for aquarium use. The company was built by a cichlid aquarium owner who understands the need for quality hardscaping.

Because of their limestone makeup, these rocks are only suitable for fish that require a higher pH or hard water. Also, the white appearance is not for everyone. You can soften the white appearance by using dimly lit aquarium plants like java fern and java moss, which attach easily to these rocks.

advantages

Buffers pH and hardness for African cichlids

Handpicked selection

Holes are great for shelter

Disadvantages

White looks aren’t for everyone

Only for fish that require hard water and a higher pH

Best for – African cichlids

The best stone for freshwater aquariums – our expert choice

I have listed a number of aquarium rocks. Which one is best for you? I will break these down into several categories and explain them.

Best Aquarium Stone for Planted Tanks – Ohko Dragon Stone

Best Aquarium Rock for African Cichlids – Texas Holey Rock

Best Value Aquarium Rock – Black Lava Rock

frequently asked Questions

What Stones Are Safe for Freshwater Aquariums? The safest stones are the ones you can buy at a pet store, local fish store, or online. That being said, the best stones are Ohko Dragon Stone, Seiryu Stone, and Lava Stone. You can also use rocks like slate for building levels and holey rock for setups that require hard water or a higher pH. Can you put any type of stone in an aquarium? no You can’t just put any rock in an aquarium. Some rocks change water chemistry like pH or hardness, which can have negative effects on your fish and plants. Rock collected from outside or rivers may also contain organic material that can die and cause ammonia spikes. It’s best to purchase your stones from a reputable pet store, whether in person or online. Can Live Rock be used in fresh water? no Live rock is rock that is either pulled from the oceans or grown in aquaculture for use in saltwater tanks. They contain saltwater bacteria and organisms that would die off in a freshwater aquarium. What stones increase the pH in the aquarium? Rocks composed of calcium carbonate, such as limestone, increase the pH level in an aquarium. These rocks are ideal for fish that prefer higher pH and hard water like African cichlids.

Conclusion – Best stones for freshwater aquariums

Aquarium rocks can be really impressive backdrops in your aquarium when you find the remaining specimens. I hope this post helped you find what you were looking for. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.

Lava Rock: You can ask for it and crawl through forums to talk about it, but a detailed article like this is all you need. This guide contains all the details about lava rock in an easily digestible form. You can benefit from this if you own a saltwater aquarium.

Natural lava rock is safe for your aquarium. However, the market is being flooded with artificial lava rocks that contain toxic chemicals. You should either choose lava rock carefully or choose alternatives. For example Base or Living Rock. They rarely contain toxic substances such as heavy metals.

You may have doubts about lava rock – that’s your right, but don’t jump to conclusions just yet. If you want to find the answers once and for all, read on to discover the benefits of adding lava rock, common issues, and ultimately, lava rock tips.

Should You Add Lava Rock to a Saltwater Aquarium?

Many aquarists are unaware of the many hidden benefits of lava rock formed by the high heat of volcanoes. Lava rock can really make your aquarium maintenance that much easier. Natural lava rock contains helpful denitrifying bacteria; It is excellent for creating the optimal living environment for your aquarium. By replicating and then eliminating nitrates, these bacteria improve the quality of your water.

What is lava rock and why is it important?

Lava rock is rock that formed when lava erupted from a volcano. Like sedimentary rocks, volcanic rocks are assembled by shaping rather than substance.

For example, the dark Hawaiian sands are discrete basalt rock (which makes up about 90% of all volcanic rock). In fact, even within the single rock type basalt, the science can be very dependent on the magma mass from which it originates.

Basalt can assume numerous structural and morphological structures. Vesicular basalt is best for aquarium applications because there are many tiny openings through air bubbles, giving it tremendous surface area. I would like to point out that scroria (also called soot), a highly vesicular volcanic rock, is commonly referred to as “sea rock” and is used in freshwater lakes because of the excellent surface region it offers.

I see no topographical or compositional explanation for why vesicular volcanic rocks cannot be used in marine applications. I would fix any dry rock for a few months to pull out all the soluble toxins on its own. You can generally run a packet of coal with the Soothe Stone in case heavy metals bother you.

Natural lava rock vs. artificial lava rock

Natural lava rock is very resistant to salt water. Due to the porous nature of the stone, volcanic rock can dissolve silica into the water. If silica is essential to your tank, consider adding natural lava rocks.

Live Rock is a host to the numerous marine organic entities that live on and within it. Live rock is usually composed of calcium carbonate. It can, however, be made from a wide variety of materials, including crafted substances, concrete, and surprisingly, the aragonite skeletons of antiquated hard corals. Living rocks make up typical coral reefs: from the deep oceans to the aquariums in your home and mine.

Live Rock is an excellent natural filter for any aquarium. Aquariums are closed structures; Any food that is put into the aquarium for your fish and other residents must somehow exit the tank. Living rocks help in processing waste, sorting and removing the food from the tank. Organic filtration is essential to the health and longevity of your aquarium inhabitants. You may be wondering how a stone can achieve that; I’ve never seen any movement let alone cleaned my tank. The most popular method of separating feed from section to section requires a few steps for the continuous cycle of nitrogen in your aquarium. Natural lava rock does the same; On the other hand, artificial lava rocks can cause problems with heavy metals in your tank. I do not recommend using artificial lava rock.

Benefits of adding lava rock

Below are some benefits of adding volcanic rock to your aquarium.

Lowers the nitrate level

Assuming you need the plants and fish in your aquarium to live in a stable climate, lava rocks are an extraordinary way to achieve this. Lava rock has openings and pores that contain valuable microbes called denitrifying microscopic organisms. These microorganisms can help maintain typical nitrogen cycles in your aquarium. Tiny organisms frame oxygen and nitrogen to help your fish grow in a cleaner environment.

Are caves

If you have small fish, you probably know how much they enjoy caves. They use them as resting places; So it’s a good idea to have some in your aquarium. Because basalt is very porous, you can use it to create caves for your fish. These stones are so light; You don’t have to worry about them breaking your fish tank glass.

Massive rocks are unexpectedly superior as they simply offer more cave options. The best thing about lava rock used as caves is that the caves don’t change shape or hue when framed by anything.

Holds plants

In addition to fish, there are also plants and corals in your aquarium. Basalt will help you ground your plants so they can give your fish clean air. You can use basalt to secure your plants. Another function rocks can perform fencing. For example, you can protect passive corals from more aggressive species. Lava rock can physically block the tentacles of dominant corals.

Guaranteed better water clarity

If you are struggling with poor water quality, lava rock can help. The best thing about volcanic rock is that it naturally purifies the water and balances elements like nitrates and phosphates. It is ideal for giving your aquarium the perfect living climate, as it has beneficial denitrifying microbes. These microbes evolve your water quality by repeating and then eliminating nitrates.

Many aquarists are unaware of another hidden benefit of lava rock: an anaerobic environment is created within the rock as beneficial nitrifying bacteria use up all the oxygen in the water. Denitrifying bacteria burn the nitrate and create oxygen and nitrogen in the anaerobic environment of the stone. Since nitrate is bad for fish and shrimp in the aquarium, Lava Rock becomes an even more helpful way to eliminate nitrate.

The combination of lava rock and shrimp is an even more effective cleaning process that occurs naturally – shrimp love to search lava rock for bits of food that may have fallen into the openings. Shrimp also want a safe place to hide when they disguise themselves, so building a tunnel out of tiny pieces would be ideal for them.

Common issues can arise when using lava rock

Here are some pointers to consider before purchasing lava rock for your aquarium:

Avoid lava rocks with sharp edges as they could harm your plants, fish and coral. You can rub edgy stones together to smooth them out. The size of the stone doesn’t matter, but the shape does. Avoid rocks with sharp edges.

Buy the lower density stones. The more pores it has – the better. Collecting lower density rocks will help you save time and water when cleaning your aquarium. Otherwise, you can expect long cleaning sessions.

High-density rocks can leave dirt and debris at the bottom of your aquarium, which will only lengthen your cleaning cycle. So, lower density lava rock can save you a lot of water and time in the long run.

How do you prepare lava rock for safe use in the aquarium?

If you are planning to use lava rock, you can follow this quick guide to do it right and not harm any aquarium habitats.

Wash the lava stones

Take your lava rock and place it in the unfilled container. Fill the container with water until there is no more space and use the brush to clean the stones. After a short while, your water will change tone due to the igneous rock. However, there is no compelling reason to freeze – that alone implies that your rocks will become cleaner.

Just drain the shady water and get a new container. Essentially brewing until the water changes tone again. You can even rub two basalts against each other to effortlessly get rid of any sharp edges that could harm your fish. The subsequent stage involves drying your volcanic rock. Just leave them in the sun for a few hours.

Boil the lava rocks

Boiling stones can help you get rid of any harmful bacteria that may have gotten onto your stone. Use extreme caution when heating your stones as igneous rock can explode if bubbled at high temperatures for a long period of time.

Boiling also helps remove mud and dirt from your rocks – so they don’t carry diseases that could harm the plants, coral or fish in your tank. You can easily clean the stone by bubbling it, as stone boiling is perhaps the most effective way to sterilize stone.

Make sure you fill the pot with water and submerge the stones completely. Also, make sure your cooking pot has a lid to ensure your safety. You can choose a large pot to heat your stones in. Don’t let them cook for more than 30 minutes. If you let them bubble for a long time, your volcanic rock may crumble or crack.

After cooking the basalt, do not immediately add it to the tank. First, use a towel or soft cloth to wipe off all the water. Then refrigerate for at least an hour.

Use a bleach solution

Blanching your basalt isn’t as effective as bubbling it, but you can use it if you’re confident your pumice won’t crumble or crack. This method is more practical if your stones are big and they don’t explode when they bubble.

When you’re done, don’t just toss your volcanic rock into the tank as it may have blanched. After washing them thoroughly, put them in your aquarium.

Adding lava rock: summary table

Don’t do it – Before you add lava rock, think about where you’re going to put it. Putting it in an awkward place or having to move it can cause your fish to become stressed.

– Above all, remove lichen, moss or bark.

– Harden your lava rock until the tannins in the water no longer stain it (unless you want to).

– If tannins are discoloring your water, use a charcoal filter or a chemical filter like Purigen to purify the water. – Choose a piece of softwood for your aquarium.

– Collect lava rocks from a polluted body of water.

– Do not use detergents, soap or detergents when cleaning.

– Skip the sterilization step

– Forget that lava rock can lower the pH in your tank and you need to check the levels accordingly.

Unless you are attempting to breed sensitive or wild-caught fish from extremely low or high pH environments, it is best not to attempt to change the pH of your aquarium. Most fish will adapt as long as the water quality is good and the pH is stable. If your fish are thriving and showing no signs of stress, there is no reason to change the pH of the aquarium.

How to adjust the pH value in the aquarium:

What if your tap water is unusually high or low? Or maybe it’s within reach but you want to keep or even breed wild-caught fish that come from extreme habitats? Aquarium stores sell products that change pH, but these should be avoided altogether or used with extreme care by experienced aquarists to avoid sudden drastic pH shifts. Some products, especially liquid pH regulators, often only have a temporary effect and the pH will soon shift back to its original value, requiring more to be added all the time. The resulting pH roller coaster is very stressful for aquatic life.

If you decide to adjust the pH in your aquarium, do so BEFORE introducing fish or other livestock and test regularly to ensure it remains stable. If you already have fish or other creatures in your aquarium, never make sudden or drastic changes to pH or any other water parameter. Below are some natural methods of adjusting pH that last longer and are more stable over time.

Use reverse osmosis water and decorate liberally with driftwood to maintain a low pH.

How to lower the pH in aquariums:

Use reverse osmosis (RO) or deionized (DI) water to create the desired pH and provide buffering. Always prepare water and test the pH before adding it to your aquarium.

Decorate your aquarium with natural driftwood. Tannins released by driftwood can help lower the pH, but keep in mind that it takes quite a bit of driftwood to get the desired effect. A small chunk or two won’t do much, especially in a large aquarium or one with heavy buffering capacity.

Add peat moss or peat pellets to your filter. Like driftwood, peat moss contains tannins that lower pH. Use a mesh bag to enclose it and only use peat products designed for aquariums. Supplement as needed to maintain desired pH.

How to increase the pH in aquariums:

Use reverse osmosis (RO) or deionized (DI) water to achieve the desired pH and buffering. Always prepare water and test the pH before adding it to your aquarium.

Use crushed coral or dolomite gravel as substrate. These calcium carbonate based gravels slowly dissolve over time, increasing and buffering the pH.

Decorate your aquarium with limestone or coral rock. As with driftwood to lower the pH, use a healthy amount of calcium carbonate rock to achieve the desired effect.

Fill a mesh bag with crushed coral or dolomite gravel and place in your filter.

Acclimate new fish

Use calcium carbonate-based rock and substrate to safely increase pH and buffering.

When purchasing new fish or invertebrates, compare the pH of your aquarium to the water in the tanks you purchase them from. Acclimate by slowly adding small amounts of your aquarium water into the bag or shipping container until the pH is as close as possible. The bigger the difference, the slower they should settle in when you bring them home.

Changing the pH in your aquarium is generally not necessary, and in some cases it can do more harm than good. Most freshwater aquarium fish today are captive bred and adapt to a wider range of water conditions than wild-caught fish. Regular water changes and proper care will keep most fish, plants and invertebrates alive and healthy!

Anyone who has recently bought a pond may be asking themselves, “Do I need pebbles in my pond?” and the answer is yes! There are many benefits of using pebbles in your pond and this handy little blog will help you explain those benefits…

Pond pebbles not only keep your water clean, they also create a natural looking bottom layer and help provide your fish with a safe living space. However, it is important to remember that pebbles would only be beneficial for smaller garden ponds, as larger ponds with muddy bottoms are likely to swallow these pebbles.

Although pebbles can be found in many shapes and sizes, and these work well in a pond, the pebbles that work best are about 1 inch in diameter. This means they are big enough to trap the sediment but not too small for them to fully compact. Always look for rounded pebbles to use and if you are using pebbles that you have collected yourself always make sure you scrub them clean with fresh water to remove any dirt and debris that may be present.

Some people worry that placing pebbles at the bottom of their pond will make cleaning more difficult, but don’t worry! They actually keep the pond water clean as they trap all the sediment in the water and prevent it from floating around on the surface. Pebbles also provide a surface for beneficial bacteria to grow on and these bacteria help break down debris in the pond and keep the water fresher for longer!

Do you have aquatic animals in your pond? Pebbles can create the best habitats for all types of fish by providing them with places to hide and rest. Pebbles used at the bottom of the pond can help anchor plants, which can provide fish with hiding places from predators or sunlight, or even just a place to roost. Larger rocks could also be added around the edge of your pond for fish to swim and hide under, but just make sure these rocks are anchored with pebbles.

One of the best uses of pond pebbles is that they can be used to weigh down the liner. The liner helps keep the water clean and clear, especially if the pond is dug directly into the ground. Without using pebbles to anchor the liner, it may be likely to float around. Therefore, using pebbles on these types of ponds is very beneficial to help the liner do its job properly!

Here at UK Water Features we stock a fantastic range of quality water pebbles, perfect for use in ponds but also great for use in water features or just for decorating the garden! Some of our great products that you can find in the Water Feature Care section of our website are…

The 15kg bag of Black Polished River Pebbles, sourced from natural river beds and already cleaned and polished!

Or do you fancy a lighter color? Our 30kg bag of White Polished River Pebbles are handpicked and perfect for these decorative purposes!

At UK Water Features we stock everything you need to create your perfect pond such as our ponds and pond liners, lights and fogs, ornaments and spitters, pumps and other accessories.

So why not add a new pond to your garden this summer?!

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