Getting Limestone Ready For Aquarium

What do I need to do (if anything) to get limestone ready for a tank? (boiling really isn't an option, there are some very large pieces...) Any input would be greatly appreciated... I'm ready to get my cichlid tank up and running!!!!

 

Wow!!! your tank must be very big!! what is the tank size? well, boiling is the best option, but as you're saying some pieces r very large, u can keep them in water mixed with good water conditioner for 1 or 2 days.

 

It's only a 55 gallon, but the pieces I have won't fit into any pots that I own. I plan on setting it up in the next few days, and then I'll be leaving for vacation so it'll be at least a month before I get fish. Does anyone else have experience in setting up limestone in a tank for cichlids? (i'm looking for ideas ive never done rocks/cichlids before) thanks!

 

I have several hundred pounds of it in the tanks here.

All I have ever done spray it down with a water hose.

No problems in doing it that way for the last 27 years.

 

I have several hundred pounds of it in the tanks here.

All I have ever done spray it down with a water hose.

No problems in doing it that way for the last 27 years.

Yeah, there's not much to do with rocks, just boiling, washing, and soaking in water conditioner......
but sometimes rocks can affect water hardness and rocks with pointed ends should be avoided, it may harm the fish.

 

Limestone ( I have Texas Holey Rock) is one of those rocks that can affect ph. But in all the years I've used it I've never had a problem with it. I
Carol

 

doesn't limestone effect the ph in a good way for cichlids? i've been extensively reading up on how to set up my tank for african cichlids (ive already decided on which ones). anyone have any ideas/suggestions on how to set up the limestone to make caves and have it look good? i've got several different sizes/thicknesses. thanks everyone for your help! this forum is AMAZING!!!

 

I think cichlids like to play with rocks, not sure (Oscars do), I don't know whether u will be able to keep the caves with cichlids.

 

Is limestone expensive or is it cheap?

 

It is usually one of the cheapest rocks to buy.

 

I'm not sure of the price.... I lucked out and my parents had just done a huge landscaping project at their house, and they had 2 HUGE stacks of misc. limestone pieces left. So I've got an endless amount of decorating possibilities with it (which i'm very excited about!) I just got my 55 gallon tank set up this weekend, need a few more small chunks of limestone to make a few more caves but for the most part i'm done, now just have to wait for it to cycle. If anyone else has anymore "decorating" tips for it please let me know! I've never set up a tank for an african cichlid before, but hopefully they will like it.

 

Try spereading the blocks out a bit.
The more spaces between the rocks you have, the more the fish will enjoy it.

 

OK thanks for the tips! Does anyone know if there is a weight limit on 55 gallon tanks? My mom (also my landlord) saw mine this morning and is worried that with all the rocks in there it will break. (shes worried about "a great flood all over the carpet" her words not mine!)

 

55's can handle quite a bit of weight.
Water weighs 8.3 pounds a gallon, so just the water alone is over 400 pounds.
The rocks you have should not be any problem.

 

= ) that's what I tried to tell her. I estimate i've got 75-100 pounds of rock, but I still think it will be ok.

 

I usually keep 80+ pounds of rocks in my 55G
Carol

 

Wow the tank looks great I may have to keep limestone in mind next time I decide to change my decor. Any idea what fish you are going to keep in the tank.

 

Wow that looks amazing!! Do you just place them in there, or do you "glue" them together? If you don't mind I think I'll print off that picture and use it for ideas next time I have to re-arrange the rocks (which it turns out every time I get new fish I will have to do) not real thrilled about that, took me awhile to get it up in the first place, but if it means my fish don't fight and kill each other it will be worth it = )

 

The rocks are siliconed together. I arranged and changed and arranged until I liked how it looked then siliconed it together. Have to be sure to use aquarium safe silicone. I get mine at lowes. It says 100% silicone and I get the clear. It needs to cure for 24 hrs before adding the water. sure you can use the pic as a guide This tanks is the loach tank and they loved having places to hide ad play
Carol

 

The rocks are siliconed together. I arranged and changed and arranged until I liked how it looked then siliconed it together. Have to be sure to use aquarium safe silicone. I get mine at lowes. It says 100% silicone and I get the clear. It needs to cure for 24 hrs before adding the water. sure you can use the pic as a guide This tanks is the loach tank and they loved having places to hide ad play
Carol

goodness carol - you're good at everything, aren't you?

 

The rocks are siliconed together. I arranged and changed and arranged until I liked how it looked then siliconed it together. Have to be sure to use aquarium safe silicone. I get mine at lowes. It says 100% silicone and I get the clear. It needs to cure for 24 hrs before adding the water. sure you can use the pic as a guide This tanks is the loach tank and they loved having places to hide ad play
Carol

goodness carol - you're good at everything, aren't you?

LOL just a long time to make mistakes and learn from them
jayfl234- Were you asking me about what fish for that tank? That was the Loach tank. . Kuhlis, Hillstreams, and Yoyos danios and bristlenose.
I say was because as some of you know we jsut moved and had to take all the tanks apart. I am in the process of putting tanks back up
Carol