Is $3.99 a pound for bulk rock a fair price or a rip?

[philly27]

My local fish store sells various rock and stone for 3.99 a pound. is that a fair price or is that on the high end? rocks such as quartz, texas holey, lace, rainbow, slate, hematite, dolomite, yellow calcite, feldspar and a few others.

 

[BigManAquatics]

That's about what my LFS charges for pretty much all rock, 3 89-3.99/lb. I hear if you go online you can get cheaper at home improvement stores like Lowe's, and maybe even in the stores themselves. Problem with online is often you have to buy in bulk, like 30-45 pounds

 

[Leeman75]

That's a at the high end of the spectrum, but not too bad. I typically see $2.99 - $3.99 as the typical range. If the alternative is having to order it online and pay an arm and a leg for shipping, then I'd say support the local business.

 

[BigManAquatics]

That's a at the high end of the spectrum, but not too bad. I typically see $2.99 - $3.99 as the typical range. If the alternative is having to order it online and pay an arm and a leg for shipping, then I'd say support the local business.

Also locally, you do have the benefit of picking out and handling the EXACT rock you want.

 

[Leeman75]

Also locally, you do have the benefit of picking out and handling the EXACT rock you want.

Duh...can't believe I missed that critical point!

 

[BigManAquatics]

Duh...can't believe I missed that critical point!

Though i am more critical and picky about my driftwood than rocks

 

[philly27]

thanks everyone! much appreciated

 

[86 ssinit]

Thing with rocks is you can catch your own almost anywhere! Streams,beach,mountains,hills even a little risky but neighbors driveways Most are free for the taking . Yes not designer rocks but still rocks . And as a bonus you get to explore the great outdoors.

 

[BigManAquatics]

Thing with rocks is you can catch your own almost anywhere! Streams,beach,mountains,hills even a little risky but neighbors driveways Most are free for the taking . Yes not designer rocks but still rocks . And as a bonus you get to explore the great outdoors.

Depending where you get them, might even get a bonus pet like a rattlesnake!

 

[pagoda]

Just remember that if you are doing a raid on the garden or next door neighbour's driveway...or anywhere really...wash thoroughly cos you do not know what might have had a pee or worse on it and the residue of such "deposits" could have a bad effect on your fish.

 

[86 ssinit]

Just remember that if you are doing a raid on the garden or next door neighbour's driveway...or anywhere really...wash thoroughly cos you do not know what might have had a pee or worse on it and the residue of such "deposits" could have a bad effect on your fish.

Ya had to say pee didn’t ya!! Now half of them aren’t going searching!! You do know things may be peeing on those store bought designer rocks too .

 

[A201]

Search your local rockyard or landscape company. I've used the pictured rocks to create so many different hardscapes. 20 - 25 cents per lb.
As noted, search nature for rocks as well, but also shop the rockyards for show rocks. Great treasure & bargains to be found.

 

[AP1]

Check out Prime Time Aquatic’s recent YouTube video for what looks to be a neat way to get cheaper rocks if buying in relative bulk (apparently you can get several different aquarium rocks from Lowe’s for something like .99 a pound)

 

[MacZ]

Check out Prime Time Aquatic’s recent YouTube video for what looks to be a neat way to get cheaper rocks if buying in relative bulk (apparently you can get several different aquarium rocks from Lowe’s for something like .99 a pound)

You're referring to a video by Tank Tested.

I would always first look at landscape supplies, gardening centers and hardware stores. Usually you pay 50cents or less per Kilogramm there. Once went out with a 10l bucket filled with 25kg of what was basically Seiryu for less than 3€.

 

[BigManAquatics]

Check out Prime Time Aquatic’s recent YouTube video for what looks to be a neat way to get cheaper rocks if buying in relative bulk (apparently you can get several different aquarium rocks from Lowe’s for something like .99 a pound)

Yeah i saw that video, i think was an online deal only and had to order 30 or 45 lbs minimum.

You're referring to a video by Tank Tested.

I would always first look at landscape supplies, gardening centers and hardware stores. Usually you pay 50cents or less per Kilogramm there. Once went out with a 10l bucket filled with 25kg of what was basically Seiryu for less than 3€.

Only problem with that for me, is to get to such places, the difference in price for rock doesn't quite outweigh the cost of the amount of fuel to get there vs an LFS lol

Edit: that and i always end up in the toy(tool)section and find something that i just "need"

 

[MacZ]

Only problem with that for me, is to get to such places, the difference in price for rock doesn't quite outweigh the cost of the amount of fuel to get there vs an LFS lol

I got all options in reach 5-15 minutes on foot. And I like to get smoothly rounded river stones directly from the source aka the river itself, which is 20min on foot and completely for free.