Rocks for Brackish

[hobopuppy]

I am having a hard time finding aquarium rocks that I'm happy with and won't mess with the tanks water conditions. I would like to do a rock 'cave' or layer rocks which I could use the special glue for. Can someone point me in the direction of a place that sells nice, natural looking rocks? Or can someone tell me the rocks that would be safe to use?

Thanks for your help.

[manutius]

where do you live?

[hobopuppy]

Michigan, USA

[Nick]

Tufa rock is a white to cream colored rock that buffers the PH well and looks pretty natural, you could use that, its in my brackish tanks.

[jake_vdb]

Tufa rock is a white to cream colored rock that buffers the PH well and looks pretty natural, you could use that, its in my brackish tanks.

Tufa is also sold under different names, around here it's usually labeled Lace rock. You could also look for Texas Holey rock, both are common in the aquarium trade and help to buffer the water.

[PuffTheMagicFishy]

If you don't mind tacky, there are some reasonably-priced fake plastic "rock" caves available at many stores.

[Boxermom]

I have fake plastic rock in some of my tanks and I don't think they look tacky at all. :p

[hobopuppy]

I just bought the Lok-Rocks http://youraquariumcenter.com/pro657432.html and the "Master terrace" http://youraquariumcenter.com/pro657414.html
I opened the box and couldn't believe how FAKE they looked. From the picture you'd think they would be beautiful, fake yes but still nice. I'm still in search of rocks.

I bought some polished rocks for an outdoor project and thought about using those (gluing together to make something nice) but I don't know if the polish they used to create the shine would be safe.

[Boxermom]

You'd probably be very surprised how different they look once they are actually in place, under water, with silk/real plants around them. Especially after they have a little algae growth on them. It completely changes the look.

Everything in this tank is fake except the pink rainbow slate - the driftwood, rock structures, etc., all fake. And I personally don't think it looks at all tacky.

[hobopuppy]

Here are two of my 3 Puffers. I like your set up. Maybe I should put the Lok-rocks in and see how they look. Worse case if I don't like them I can remove them.

[Boxermom]

They aren't in the same tank, are they? The first is a GSP, which requires high end brackish, the second is a F8, which requires low end brackish. Also, if that is freeze dried shrimp/krill, I hope its being soaked/reconstituted before feeding or it can cause terrible gastrointestinal issues. Cute buggers though.

[hobopuppy]

Yes they are in the same tank. They are getting along nicely. Only time there has been an arguement is when one was munching on a snail. Can both of these go full marine?

Also, if that is freeze dried shrimp/krill, I hope its being soaked/reconstituted before feeding or it can cause terrible gastrointestinal issues.

Errr?

[Pufferpunk]

Although not as a staple food, I have been feeding freeze-dried shrimp/krill for many many years, w/o soaking 1st. As far as those puffers, they may be OK together as youngins but once the GSP starts getting larger than the F8, they must be seperated. Even sooner, if the GSP shows signs of aggressiveness. The GP grows to a much more aggressive, 3x larger fish. It also needs a higher SG than the F8.

[Boxermom]

The GSP can go full marine as it grows, but the F8 should be kept between 1.005-1.008. Thus, they are incompatible regardless of how they get along. The F8 needs at least a 15g tank and the GSP needs at least a 30g tank.