From: lstowell@pyrnova.mis.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Newsgroups: alt.aquaria,rec.aquaria,misc.consumers
Subject: Re: decorative stones
Date: 12 Jan 93 18:57:25 GMT
Reply-To: lstowell@pyrnova.pyramid.com.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Pyramid Technology Corporation

In article <1993Jan11.165022.29389@src4src.linet.org> zaphod@src4src.linet.org (Steve Wechsler) writes:
>
>(Sorry to crosspost this to misc.consumers, but since it's not really
>a fishy question, I thought someone there might know the answer).
>
>Hello, netfolx.
>
>I recently purchased a 55 gallon setup, sans gravel.  I'd like to get
>some of those silvery polished stones like they sell at The Nature
>Store or World of Science to use instead of gravel, but there are a
>couple of questions:

   These could be just about anything.  They are just tumbled rocks,
   and semi-precious stones...and very overpriced ones at that.  

   Most of the multi-colored ones are agate.  The clear or pink ones
   are usually quartz, the black ones are usually obsidian.  
   These are all just ordinary rocks as far as chemistry goes.  
   Some of the exotic ones like malachite (striped lovely green),
   serpentine (color varies), azurite (blue) are a bit soft and
   could leach copper, etc. into the water.    

   Any local rockhound could tell you which ones are made of the
   came compounds as ordinary sand...and would be safe in an
   aquarium.   
>
>1) (this is where the folks at misc.consumers come in)  Does anyone
>know a good, inexpensive source for these?  At the science stores
>they're too expensive and they only sell them in small packages.
>
   a.  Check your yellow pages for Rocks, Rockhound supplies,
       or Lapidary supply stores.   They MIGHT be available in
       jewelry supply, but those tend to be a bit more pricey.

   b.  Buy locally or mail order a tumbler and make your own.  You
       can use any local rocks whose appearance pleases you or you
       can buy rough agate, obsidian, quartz from a supply shop or
       mail order.   (See adverts in Rock&Gem type magazines, many
       of the other places have rip-off prices...)

   c.  If you have any local rivers, lakes, etc. with gravel/pebble
       beds, try those.  You wouldn't really need fully polished
       rocks anyway, as the water will cover the surface.  If they
       look good in the lake, they'll look good in your aquarium.

   d.  If you are located where you appear, and you like clear
       stones, head out to upstate NY and look around in the
       Herkimer area for "Herkimer diamonds" of less than store
       quality.  There are many very nice rockshops out in the area.
	


>2) Is there any problem with using these in a freshwater aquarium?
>Also, how will they affect my undergravel filter?
>
    Nope, as long as you stick to agate, quartz, opal, or obsidian.

>3) Will there be any problems putting live plants in them?
>
    Nope.   

>Thanks...
>
   Try the local rockhounds.  As you can tell by this response,
   you'll likely get more help and info than you really cared for...
   But you could always end up with another enjoyable
   hobby...cutting or tumbling your own stones.


Newsgroups: alt.aquaria,rec.aquaria