Choosing the right rocks for your aquarium is an important step in creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment for your fish and plants. Rocks in an aquarium are not only decorative – they are also essential for creating hiding places, stabilizing the ecosystem, and in some cases, even influencing water parameters. In this blog, we will show you how to choose the right rocks for your aquarium and which types are best suited for different habitats.
Why are rocks important for an aquarium?
Stones in an aquarium serve several purposes:
- Decoration: Stones add depth, texture to the aquarium and create interesting scenery that fits into different aquascaping styles.
- Fish hiding places: Fish often seek out places to hide, and rocks are ideal for creating such hiding places. They reduce stress for the fish and improve their overall health.
- Ecosystem stability: Some rocks can affect the pH and hardness of the water, which is ideal for fish that need specific conditions (such as cichlids).
Types of aquarium stones
There are many different types of rocks available on the market to choose from depending on your aquarium type and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of rocks:
1. Coral limestone
Coral limestone is ideal for cichlid habitats such as Malawi and Tanganyika , where higher water hardness and a higher pH are required. This rock has a porous structure and provides plenty of hiding places for fish. Its color mix from greenish-yellow to orange to red creates a visually attractive appearance that is striking in any aquarium.
2. Wood Stone
Wood Stone is a unique stone that resembles wood in its structure. Its natural appearance is ideal for creating natural habitats and aquascaping. This stone provides stable hiding places for fish and is a great addition to planted aquariums because it does not affect the water quality. It is suitable for various types of aquariums and is easy to combine with other decorations such as plants or other stones.
3. Dragon Stone
Known for its rough texture and numerous crevices, Dragon Stone is very popular among aquascapers. The stones are ideal for attaching plants such as mosses or smaller plant species, giving a natural look to the aquarium. Dragon Stone does not affect the pH of the water, making it suitable for various types of freshwater aquariums.
4. Seiryu Stone
Seiryu Stone is characterized by its gray to blue color and sharp edges that give the aquarium a dramatic look. This stone is very popular in the aquascaping style called Iwagumi , where stones are used as the main design element. Like Dragon Stone, Seiryu does not affect water quality.
How to choose the right stones for your aquarium?
When choosing stones, it is important to consider several factors:
- Aquarium Type: If you have a cichlid aquarium, choose rocks that raise the pH and hardness of the water, such as coral limestone. For planted aquariums, neutral rocks like Dragon Stone or Seiryu Stone are better.
- Size and shape of stones: Combining large, medium and small stones allows you to create a dynamic and natural scenery.
- Aesthetics: Consider the color and texture of the rocks to match your design and the overall look of the aquarium.
Recommended amount of stones according to aquarium size
For best results, it is important to choose the right amount of rocks for the size of your aquarium. Here are the recommended amounts:
- 10-liter aquarium: 2 kg of rocks
- 20-liter aquarium: 4 kg of rocks
- 60-liter aquarium: 12 kg of rocks
- 100-liter aquarium: 20 kg of rocks
- 200-liter aquarium: 40 kg of rocks
How to place stones in an aquarium?
When placing rocks in an aquarium, less is often more. Here are a few tips:
- Create a focal point: Choose one or two larger stones as the main design element and complement them with smaller stones.
- Work with perspective: Create depth by placing larger rocks in front and smaller ones in back. This trick will give your aquarium a natural look.
- Place plants strategically: Use the crevices in the stones to place plants like mosses and small species of plants that will add life and color to the aquarium.
Conclusion
The right selection and placement of rocks in your aquarium can change the entire look of your tank. Rocks not only beautify your aquarium, but they also create a healthier and more stable environment for your fish. If you need help choosing rocks or creating a custom hardscape, don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be happy to help you find the right rocks for your aquarium!