When selecting rocks keep in mind your aquarium should represent, as near as possible, a healthy picture of underwater life. Rocks of multishape and colour should never be put in the exact same tank, as they’re unlikely to be discovered naturally mixed.
Rocks could be made to form arches, terraces, and to hold banks of sand at higher levels. They’re,essentially,the inspiration stones of a well laid-out aquarium. It’s not, needless to say, important to have any rock in the tank. Some extremely attractive scenes could be designed with plants alone.
My own two favorites are Cumberland stone and also the greenish-brown, flat, slatey-looking rocks discovered in Devonshire streams. These flat natural pieces can either be pressed into the sand to form a high pinnacle, or laid flat and built up one upon the other to form a natural-looking ledge.
Weather-worn pieces are the very best, but attempt to steer clear of rocks with jagged protrusions, as they might trigger injury to your fish.
I have already mentioned the significance of avoiding nooks and crannies where uneaten food can pollute and sediment collect, but I make no excuse for repetition. If after the rocks and stones have been sited to your liking you will find any of these pockets, fill them in totally with sand.
As a safeguard, scrub all new pieces with a tough bristle brush and water to remove any dirt, and then boil. Steer clear of using rocks of a soft or synthetic nature; these turn out to be soluble in water.
If you have a piece of doubtful rock, put it in a bucket of clean water for a couple of days, if an oily ring appears on the surface, don’t use it.
Even though I would not suggest it, it’s feasible to make rocks to suit your own taste, using cement and sand. After the rocks have been moulded to the needed design, and actions have been taken to make certain that no sharp projections have been left, leave for about a week to thoroughly harden. Then boil for a minimum of an hour, which will remove most of the totally free lime. Next soak the ‘rock’ in a strong solution of permanganate of potash for about six hours. In addition to disinfecting the s rock, it also adds to the appearance by making it look more natural and weathered. A final soak under a running tap for an hour and also the rock is ready for use.