xXxAlisha91xXx
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2012
Posts: 284
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Post by xXxAlisha91xXx on Apr 14, 2012 1:29:44 GMT -5
Okay, so while digging around for the ornaments for my fish tank in the storage room (see "Agate Geode in Saltwater Tank?" thread in the General Rocks Board), I found these three rocks. Two of them were in a metal "Ouch!" bubblegum container and one was off to the left of it. I'm wondering if there may be more stashed in there. LOL. Matt said he doesn't remember where they came from, when he got them, or what they are. 1) The first one looks like maybe amethyst, but I'm not sure: Here's what the bottom of it looks like: 2) This one is really "texturized" and in a sphere-like shape. I have no clue on this one... 3) This one looks like it has been tumbled. Some type of agate, maybe? I can take more pictures if need be. Any help IDing them would be appreciated
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Post by gingerkid on Apr 14, 2012 2:34:08 GMT -5
Hi, Alisha, The first one looks like smoky quartz to me; it looks brown. If it is purple like you said, then it's probably amethyst. The second one looks like a selenite rose. Third one? Some type of jasper? Don't know, kiddo.
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Post by gingerkid on Apr 14, 2012 2:36:26 GMT -5
The 3rd one looks like it has "orbs." Looks kinda like Ocean Jasper, but, those orange stripe thingys are there, so, again, I don't know.
Is it maybe a water worn pebble?
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 14, 2012 8:25:06 GMT -5
I wouldn't use the selenite / barite rose. It contains minerals which may dissolve into your water. Don't know what effect barium would have on your fish, but selenium in high enough concentrations is a poison.
Just to be on the safe side, I would boil any rocks I was going to use in a fish tank for at least 1/2 hour. You don't know where many of the decorative rocks are coming from, and what sort of bacteria may be living in the little cracks.
Have you thought about using lava for your tank rocks ? The red/brown type looks attractive in aquariums, and gives smaller fishes plenty of places to hide.
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xXxAlisha91xXx
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2012
Posts: 284
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Post by xXxAlisha91xXx on Apr 14, 2012 9:35:47 GMT -5
Thanks for your input Jan I wasn't planning on using these in the fish tank, but thanks for your concern. I decided to go back to the old decorations, for now. Lava rocks, now that's an idea!
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 14, 2012 9:50:01 GMT -5
Unfortunately, when I moved from California to South Dakota, I gave away all of my lava. I used it in fresh water tanks. The only real drawback to lava is that it's very sharp on fresh broken edges. Fish that are easily frightened can be cut on the sharp edges.
On the plus side, many salt water reef fish live in and around lava flows. There are plenty of gas bubble pockets and holes for egg laying, and smaller fish to escape into. Many fish shops even sell crushed lava for tank gravel. It makes the larger pieces of decorative lava look like they belong there.
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Post by Rockhobbit on Apr 14, 2012 11:06:00 GMT -5
The third one looks like Leopardskin Jasper. I agree other two ID's.
Sheri
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Post by catmandewe on Apr 14, 2012 11:15:20 GMT -5
Looks like leopard skin to me too.
I have 5 acres of lava rock, I never thought about it being used in fish tanks but that is a good idea, most people around here put it in big piles when they pick it out of their fields.
Tony
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xXxAlisha91xXx
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2012
Posts: 284
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Post by xXxAlisha91xXx on Apr 14, 2012 22:49:46 GMT -5
Awesome! Thanks everyone. You've all been a lot of help! Hmm... I may look into getting some lava rocks. I think I have seen the crushed kind at pet stores, so that may be my best bet. Looks like you've found a new marketing strategy for yours Tony
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