What stones to choose for an aquarium?
Various decorative elements are used in the design of aquariums. Many aquarists place stones on the bottom of the tank, effectively complementing the overall decor of the closed ecosystem. In the article we will talk about stones for an aquarium, what they are needed for, which stones to choose – natural or decorative, features of dragon stone, lava and others from Udeco, where you can find stones for an aquarium and where not to take them.
Why are there stones in an aquarium: design and more
Stones in an aquarium with living inhabitants perform not only a decorative function. With their help, it is possible to create the most natural conditions for the life of fish. They are also needed during spawning for laying eggs and sheltering the fry. In addition to the above, aquarium stones regulate biological balance and maintain an optimal level of water hardness. Provide good attachment for the root system of living vegetation.
What stones can be placed in an aquarium: pros and cons of the main types
There are many types of stones that can be used to decorate aquariums. All of them are classified into two main groups – natural and artificial. Let’s consider their features, pros and cons.
Natural
- not suitable for aquariums that contain certain types of fish that tend to burrow into the ground;
- do not have the nutritional components necessary for the growth of living flora;
- are not used in aquariums with plants that have a weak root system.
When choosing natural stones for decorating an aquarium, you need to be careful. Give preference to larger fractions, taking into account the size of the fish. It is important that living inhabitants do not accidentally swallow this decor. Also beware of using stones with sharp bases – they can injure the body of swimming individuals.
Artificial
Special artificial stones are great for decorating aquariums. They are made from different materials. The base can be concrete, plastic or ceramics.
Available in a wide range. There are types that perfectly imitate stones of natural origin. With their help you can create an original natural landscape. If desired, you can also purchase unusual specimens: colored pebbles, decorative glowing pebbles, etc.
Main advantages:
- budget and affordable;
- a huge selection of decorative items of different shapes, sizes and colors.
The disadvantages include the risk of purchasing low-quality products made from cheap plastic that release toxic substances into the water. To buy high-quality decor that is safe for aquatic life, give preference to products from trusted brands.
Dragon stone for aquarium, lava and other natural decorations Udeco
To decorate an aquarium with natural stones, it is not necessary to go to the coast or mountains to obtain the necessary material for decoration. You can buy finished products of natural origin on the website of the Le’Murrr online store.
This decor is produced by the well-known supplier company UDeco, which offers a wide range of professional products for decorating aquariums at affordable prices. Let’s take a quick look at the available range.
dragon stone
Dragon Stone is the most popular stone, widely used in the design of aquariums with live plants. Allows you to create beautiful underwater landscapes. The stone has a deep perforated texture. Can be used to decorate an aquarium in the classic Iwagumi style.
Lava stone
Natural volcanic rock Lava Wood S is excellent for simulating mountain ranges. It has a porous structure. Does not release harmful substances into the water. Does not affect carbonate hardness. Can be used as a holder for attaching freshwater mosses.
Gray Mountain
The popular Gray Mountai aquarium stone perfectly imitates terrestrial mountain landscapes in miniature. It has an original texture and color, allowing you to create realistic decors of mountain cliffs. Excellent for aquariums with live floristry.
Colorado, Gobi and others
The range of natural decorations from the UDeco brand includes other original stones for decorating aquariums in different stylistic directions.
Colorado Rock, which imitates the natural landscapes of the American state, is in good demand. Great for decorating terrariums and aquariums simulating a blooming oasis or a bare desert.
And if the owner wants to create a realistic landscape of the layered mountains of the Gobi Desert, it is worth purchasing natural stone Gobi Stone, reminiscent of layered mountain ranges, for decoration.
See the full range of aquarium stones of natural origin from the UDeco brand in the online catalog of the Le’Murrr store.
Decorative stones for Artuniq aquarium: advantages
If you want to decorate your aquarium with artificial stones, you should pay attention to Artuniq products. This well-known company offers several interesting collections for decorating freshwater and marine aquariums in different styles.
The product has many advantages:
- a wide range of;
- high quality decorative products;
- the stones do not emit harmful substances and are absolutely safe for aquatic inhabitants;
- have excellent strength and long service life, without loss of original qualities;
- easy to clean from dirt;
- affordable price.
The Artuniq collection features stones that realistically imitate natural landscapes, as well as unusual colored soil. Multi-colored pebbles can be used to decorate an aquarium in a cartoon or Martian style.
Important: Artuniq colored primer is non-toxic! It has undergone numerous tests, during which it has been proven to be absolutely harmless to fish and other living inhabitants of the aquatic space.
Where to get stones for an aquarium, how to check
Some aquarists prefer to collect stones themselves to decorate a closed ecosystem.
Where can you get stones from?
Rocks can be found in different places, but not all of them are suitable for an aquarium. Some breeds greatly affect the hardness and acidity of water or emit unsafe components that can lead to the death of living inhabitants. Therefore, you should be extremely careful when searching for such decor.
Stones for an aquarium can be collected in different areas, excluding polluted areas, mines, and agricultural fields.
Where is the best place to look for stones:
- forest;
- mountainous, rocky terrain;
- sea ​​coast.
What types of stones are suitable for decorating an aquarium:
- sea ​​pebbles;
- quartz;
- shell rock;
- slate;
- granite;
- tuff;
- petrified wood.
Preference should be given to small and light specimens. The stones must be durable, not crumble, not crumble.
You should not choose stones with sharp or too protruding bases for decorating an aquarium. Rounded shapes are more suitable.
Where and what not to collect
You cannot collect stones of unknown rocks or those containing metal compounds for the aquarium.
Harmful breeds:
- limestone;
- alabaster;
- marble;
- dolomite.
Beware of stones that have bright, unusual colors or a strong, specific odor.
Test for harmful substances
Experienced aquarists advise checking stones for suitability using a simple test. This check is very important if the stones were brought from the street.
To do this:
- put the stones in a bowl;
- pour them with acetic acid;
- observe the reaction: if carbon dioxide begins to be released (characteristic hissing), such stones cannot be used for an aquarium.
If there are any doubts, it is better to abandon such decor and choose quality products in a pet store.
You can buy good and safe aquarium stones online by filling out an application on the website of the Le’Murrr online store. We have a wide selection of decor for marine and freshwater aquariums from the brands Artuniq, UDeco and other well-known suppliers.
Stones are a common aquarium decoration that allows you to externally bring the artificial environment closer to the natural one. Large stones become a refuge for some species of fish and a spawning site. The choice should be made carefully – some materials can harm the inhabitants by releasing hazardous impurities.
Types of aquarium stones
What kind of stones can you put in an aquarium? Those that will not harm the fish. Stone soil is sold at any aquarium store and can be collected independently. There are several types:
- Artificial is not natural. It is recommended to purchase products from leading manufacturers made from materials that do not emit impurities. The advantage is a wide selection of varieties in size, texture, and color.
- Prepared natural – made from natural stones. Reliable manufacturers carefully select the material, process it with chemicals, sterilize it, and check for impurities.
- Unprepared natural – collected in rivers, seas, quarries, on beaches. Requires preliminary preparation before placing in the aquarium.
- Increase rigidity: slate, tuff, dolomite, limestone, shell rock, white sandstone, marble.
- Increase alkalinity: sandstone, calcareous tuff, white sandstone.
- Neutral: lava, granite, gneiss, gray sandstone, quartzites, quartz
- Acid treatment – the absence of a pronounced chemical reaction indicates the neutrality of the material, the absence of metallic and alkaline impurities.
- Strength – should not break or crumble with slight physical impact.
- Rinsing – thorough cleaning with water. You can pre-soak it.
- Mechanical cleaning with a stiff brush.
- Heat treatment – boiling or heating in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
Purchasing soil from popular brands at a pet store guarantees its safety. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the composition and reviews of the brand.
Is it possible to put sea stones in an aquarium? It is possible if they are carefully processed and soaked for a long time to remove absorbed salts.
Interaction with water
Water is a strong solvent, and impurities that appear in it due to fish waste products and rotting food add additional chemical properties. Stones can interact with water and change its composition. First of all, the effect on hardness and alkalinity is taken into account:
It is sometimes considered normal for rocks in an aquarium to turn green. It is necessary to ensure high-quality water filtration and wash the soil. The green coating is algae growing on the rocks in the aquarium. In addition to filtration, special chemicals, aerators, and UV sterilizers help fight them.
Use of unprepared natural stones
Natural ones are chosen in the natural environment – in rivers, lakes, the sea. Collection in quarries is allowed. It is not recommended to use stones from the fields; roadside stones may be contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, and car exhaust. It is recommended to check:
The size is selected according to preference. You should not use specimens that are too heavy or unstable – they can damage the aquarium.
Natural stones must be processed before being placed in the aquarium:
Dried and cooled stones can be placed in the aquarium. It is advisable to first drain the water and temporarily replant the fish. When falling, stones can break the bottom and crush the inhabitants.
