Fish Tank Rocks are live rocks that serve as a biological filtration media and will also increase the appeal of your aquarium. Here's everything you need to know about this product.
Fish Tank Rocks - What are they?
Description:
Fish tank rocks usually mean live rocks that are used in saltwater aquariums. Live rock is a rock that contains many algae and other microorganisms that can provide biological nitrification and filtration in the aquarium.Who Needs These?
The proper nitrate balance is required in saltwater aquariums and these rocks can maintain the required nitrate content.Why Do You Need These?
You will need fish tank rocks to either provide the biological filtration or increase the appeal of your aquarium.Types:
Rock can be base rock and live rock. There are two types of live rock -- inshore rock and reef rock.Benefits:
Live rock serves as a biological filtration media in your aquarium. They maintain the nitrate content and the algae reduce the ammonia and phosphate content. By cleaning the water, the fish are kept healthy.Uses:
Rocks provide a hiding and resting place for the fish. Rocks can also be used to decorate the aquarium and to increase its appeal.
Fish Tank Rocks - Tips
Varieties:
The rocks used in the aquarium can be classified into two types -- base rock and live rock. Base rock doesn't have any living organisms in it and it is mainly used to make the base for installing live rock. Live rock is differentiated into reef rock and inshore rock.Quality Choices:
Don't buy heavy quantities of live rock. Live rock should be installed in your aquarium gradually. The live rock you buy should be cured and it should not have any foul odor.Where to Use:
First, place the base rock in the aquarium and when it is properly cured, start by gradually adding new pieces of live rock.
Fish Tank Rocks - Concerns
Safety Issues:
Some live rocks might contain organisms that can be harmful for your fish. These cannot be detected with bare eyes and you should remove the rock immediately if your fish fall sick.Behavioral Issues:
Some fish are territorial and will not allow other fish near the rocks where they stay.Convenience:
The rocks you choose should not be too big as it might reduce the space for the fish to move around.
Fish Tank Rocks - How to Choose
What to Look For:
Choose a live rock that is properly cured. The rock should not be too big for your aquarium and it should not have a foul odor. There should not be any drying areas on the live rock.Expense:
The price of live rock varies with the size of the rock and its rarity. Live rock is sold in pounds and one pound usually costs $2 to $10.Other Items You Might Need:
You will need some material like Styrofoam to place between the rock and the glass so that the glass doesn't get damaged.