Can you put limestone in an aquarium?

Category: pets fish and aquariums
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Yes. If your rocks are actually limestone, they are the cause for the pH elevation in your aquarium water. Limestone is calcareous (contains calcium) and is known for its ability to both harden the water and increase the pH.



People also ask, is limestone harmful to fish?

Actually no, it is not harmful to the fish. But yes you should know what pH is required by your fish. If it requires a low pH, then it is not good to place limestone in the fish tank.

Likewise, what crystals are safe to put in a freshwater aquarium? Safe:
  • Crystalline Quartz (Rock crystal, Amethyst*, Citrine, Rose Quartz, Smokey Quartz)
  • Granite.
  • Cryptocrystalline Quartz (Jasper, Agate, Sard)
  • Jade.
  • Petrified Wood.
  • Slate.
  • Quartz (non-crystallized)

Just so, can I put any rock in my aquarium?

Some of the best rocks to use for a freshwater aquarium are lava rocks, shale, slate, basalt rocks, and quartz. These sturdy rocks offer a great variety in appearance to fit in with any aquascape. Avoid using rocks that have a high salt or calcium content, such as limestone, marble, and dolomite.

What rocks raise pH in aquarium?

Rocks that raise pH are limestone, tufa, and coral rock.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Will limestone chippings kill plants?

Function of Limestone
Limestone reduces toxic levels of soil acidity, which interferes with plant growth. However, too much limestone will raise the pH too high, which can interfere with the plant's ability to absorb nutrients from the soil and eventually kill it.

Does limestone kill fish?

Agricultural lime is crushed limestone (calcium carbonate), which will neutralize these acids and act as a buffer to keep the pH from changing rapidly. Fish can live in water with a wide range of pH, from about 4 to 10. However, rapid changes in pH can kill fish, even within this range.

Can you put limestone in a pond?

In case limestone is applied on the bottom of the pond, it is recommended to add the limestone before winter, as the water of the pond has to be removed. To properly apply liming in ponds, pH of the water should be marked in advance for example if pH is 5.0 and bottom of ponds are sandy recommended dose is 1.2 t ha-1.

How does water affect limestone?

Minerals in rocks may react with the rainwater, causing the rock to be weathered. Some types of rock are easily weathered by chemicals. For example, limestone and chalk are mostly calcium carbonate. When acidic rainwater falls on limestone or chalk, a chemical reaction happens.

Will limestone raise pH?


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

What pH is limestone?

The main component of limestone is calcium carbonate, which has a pH of 9.9. Since this is higher than 7, it makes limestone a

What is the use for limestone?

It is the raw material for the manufacture of quicklime (calcium oxide), slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), cement and mortar. Pulverized limestone is used as a soil conditioner to neutralize acidic soils (agricultural lime). Is crushed for use as aggregate—the solid base for many roads as well as in asphalt concrete.

How can I raise my pH naturally?

Young recommends simply adding ½ a teaspoon of baking soda to a gallon of purified water and shaking it vigorously to ensure it mixes in completely. Because baking soda is highly alkaline, adding only a small amount to your purified water will result in a gallon of alkaline water.

What will eat fish poop?

As far as we are aware, there are no freshwater fish that have poop as a necessary part of their diet. Some fish such as Corydoras and Plecostomus catfish are said to eat poop – but even if they did, they still require feeding just as any other fish would.

How long should I boil rocks for aquarium?


After the rock has been boiled for about 20-30 minutes, it can be removed from the pot. It should then be placed on paper towels to absorb any excess water, and allowed to cool for at least an hour. The boiling will have removed all of the bacteria and other life forms from the rock.

What do fish like in their tank?

In addition to your aquarium, filter and lighting, here's a list of what you need to get started: Gravel: Coated or pre washed is ideal. Decorations: Only those designated for aquariums (e.g., live or artificial plants and ornaments). Water Conditioner: De chlorinates tap water to make it fish-safe.

Can I use stones from the beach in my aquarium?

The principal danger of using your own outdoor gravel and stones in an aquarium is the possibility that they contain calcium, which can alter the pH of aquarium water. But before testing, make sure to also wash the stones thoroughly to remove all loose grit and contaminants.

Does boiling wood make it sink?

Boiling the wood speeds up the sinking process. Thick pieces of wood can take a while to sink, you should notice the driftwood takes longer and longer to float to the surface if you push it down.

What do you put under rocks in an aquarium?

Putting the styrofoam base underneath is probably a good idea. The heavy rocks should be okay and the foam will keep any points of the rock from breaking the bottom pane of glass. Many people in our club put egg crate on the bottom of the tanks before adding the substrate for this very reason.

Can you put amethyst in a fish tank?


Amethyst is a purple quartz crystal. Crystals are fine for tanks, however any geode type crystal need to be tested to see if the material they are attached to is safe. There can also be impurities within the crystals so be aware of any flecks that aren't purple or clear as those parts aren't amethyst.

What rocks are aquarium safe?

If you plan to buy stones or rock for your tank, the following types of rocks are safe to use for your aquarium:
  • Slate. This rock ages suitably in tanks but they come with sharp edges.
  • Quartz. This does not age well in tanks and can be sharp too.
  • Granite.
  • Lava rock.
  • Onyx.
  • Petrified wood.
  • Pumice.

Can you put calcite in a fish tank?

Definitely stay away from things like Calcite which will gradually dissolve in the tank and change the ph of the water or poison your fish. Natural agates should do well too, but check them carefully for any other minerals, (like calcite in geodes).