If you’re someone who loves aquariums and want to keep one of your own, then you’ll find this article interesting. I love aquariums and have spent a lot of time researching everything about them.
Now, the topic that I’d like to discuss is, can you use live rock in a freshwater tank?
A straight answer to that would be no. There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t have live rock in a freshwater tank.
The main reasons why you can’t use live rocks in a freshwater tank are:
- Live rocks will contaminate the water with sea salt, which is dangerous to freshwater fishes.
- The pH of the freshwater would be too low for the organisms on the live rock to grow. Rock is also made from calcium carbonate, which competes with the chemicals in saltwater to neutralize pH.
What happens if you do use live rock in a freshwater tank?
The live rock belongs to an animal habitat itself. Therefore, if you use it in a freshwater aquarium, the chances are that it might kill the other living organisms in the tank.
Additionally, you will also need to monitor water chemistry levels closely and keep up with regular water changes.
Live rock is often difficult for beginners because of these considerations. There isn’t a strict rule as to why you shouldn’t, but it is bound to complicate your aquarium’s maintenance.
Which rocks are considered safe for a freshwater aquarium?
We’ve already established that live rocks are a bad idea for freshwater tanks. So, which ones are good?
Now, there are plenty of rocks that are safe for freshwater aquariums. However, how do you pick the best ones? There are a few crucial things you need to keep in mind for that.
Rocks can be used on the substrate or as an accent rock on the surface of the substrate.
Personally, I like using a mix of styles and variety when it comes to rocks in my aquarium. But, there are people who just like to keep a single type.
There are many that you can put in your aquarium, but I’d like to talk about the four most commonly picked varieties.
Marble
If you like having a pretty aquarium, this would be an excellent pick. It emphasizes the beauty of the aquatic plant and fish in the tank.
The smooth surface of marble also helps to keep algae from growing on it easily. But this stone cannot store a lot of calcium ions.
Limestone
Limestone is generally white or light gray in color and has a low hardness level (about 3-5). Thus, limestone is great for hardening the water and increasing the water pH level.
Caribsea Life Rock Freshwater
Caribsea Life is a company known for selling pet rocks that are made of real, genuine, and natural freshwater.
The Caribsea Life rock is perfectly suitable for your freshwater tank. It is basically a substitute for live rock that is aragonite-based in nature.
Now, the Caribsea Life rock doesn’t contain any cement or any kind of decaying material. Thus, it does not require any curing before use.
Coral rock for freshwater aquarium
Coral rock is another popular option for freshwater aquariums. This rock is found in multiple colors and has some really beautiful textures.
It is an excellent addition to any aquarium. This is simply because it provides hiding spots for fish and adds a sense of life to the tank or bowl.
Which other rocks are suitable for a freshwater aquarium?
It’s essential to understand that different types of rocks have different qualities. And, the right one should depend on the type of fish that will be placed in the aquarium.
Here are my personal favorite picks for freshwater aquarium:
- Sandstone
- Limestone
- Slate
- Granite
- Slab rock
Can you use live rock in a saltwater tank?
Yes, you can make use of live rock in saltwater tanks as these rocks will not be affected by the saltwater.
The few rocks that you should avoid in a saltwater tank are limestone, marble, and sandstone. These types of rocks dissolve when they come in contact with saltwater and will quickly change your natural ocean biosphere.
Since live rocks do not pose any such danger, you can use them in a saltwater tank.
Can you put saltwater rocks in a freshwater tank?
The answer here as well is a definite ‘no.’ It is advisable to not mix saltwater and freshwater in the same tank.
Are you wondering why? This is because of the simple reason that saltwater needs to have a higher salinity content than freshwater.
Thus, it becomes highly complicated to strike a balance between the two types in the same aquarium.
What are live rocks?
Live rocks are live organisms that are usually obtained from the ocean. These rocks contain living organisms, such as algae, bacteria, worms, clams, and other creatures.
They are often used in saltwater tanks because they provide a natural source of food for the fish.
To put it simply, live rock is a piece of natural coral that has been collected and then “planted” in an aquarium.
Live rocks are quite popular in the marine aquarium hobby for their ability to provide vital nutrients to the tank’s inhabitants, including the corals.
Aquarium enthusiasts (like me) often add them to tanks that have been established for a period of time without any other type of substrate.
Live rocks will also “recycle” materials from the water column, such as nitrates, phosphates, and other trace elements. These elements are necessary for a healthy reef tank and can be lost by other means such as water changes or accidental dumping of a dead animal or plant into the tank.
The live rock actually provides areas for organisms to attach themselves and plenty of hiding spots while simultaneously providing a surface for corals to grow.
Summing it up
I hope this article of mine was able to clear all your queries on live rocks and whether they can be used for freshwater tanks or not.
Summing it up for you, do not use live rocks in a freshwater aquarium. When choosing a mix of rocks for your tank, check properly for all the factors and whether they fit well with each other or not. Maintaining proper pH balance and chemical stability is highly essential for the pretty fish in your tank.
