rock choice question

ChrisShip

ChrisShip

Medium Fish
#1
Sep 17, 2007
60
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#1
I am going to swap out the false rocks and roots in my african cichlid tank for real rock. I am thinkings about luffa base rock and lava rock. Are these good choices? What is a better choice? I was thinking of slate (red and black) but I like the look of the other rocks better. Any help is appreciated.
 

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ChrisShip

ChrisShip

Medium Fish
#3
Sep 17, 2007
60
0
0
#3
I have never seen it before either. It looks similar to lava rock, but its white and perhaps a little more porous. It is also on the less dense side of things, like lava.

I was thinking with a less dense rock I could get more in w/o inceaseing the weight too much.
 

ChrisShip

ChrisShip

Medium Fish
#5
Sep 17, 2007
60
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0
#5
Its definanately not Texas Holey Rock. The best way I can describe it is white lava rock. When I try to google it I get information about sponges (loofa). The guy at the store who is the most knowledgeable is not there tonight.

River rocks aren't a real good option for me, there is a creak down the street but I wouldn't trust anything coming out of that.
 

ChrisShip

ChrisShip

Medium Fish
#6
Sep 17, 2007
60
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0
#6
I went to the store and picked up 13 lbs of Lava rock and 6 pounds of the Luffa base rock (after checking some things out I think it may be Tonga rock). I am preparing the rock now and will begin construction shortly. I should be able to post some before and after picks. Thanks for the help.
 

Kephren01

Kephren01

Large Fish
#7
Aug 29, 2006
134
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New Jersey
#7
Cichlid-Man said:
Also rock you find at your local landscaper will work.
Click to expand...
i went to my landscaper and picked up a ton of flagstone (not literally). I could get enough to fill my 72 gal tank for like 3-4 bucks. A lot of time they'll give it to you free or really cheap because you can basically pick up their trash since you need little pieces.
 

ChrisShip

ChrisShip

Medium Fish
#8
Sep 17, 2007
60
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#8
I finished the aquascaping yesterday:

Before:
I like the look but I do not think my cichlids did



After:
I think this may be a little more natural

 

ChrisShip

ChrisShip

Medium Fish
#15
Sep 17, 2007
60
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#15
I am pretty sure I am maxed out right now:
1 Red Zebra
1 Ice Blue Zebra
5 Jewels (2 blue, 3red)

My wife would like to add some bumblebee, yellow labs or auratus. But I think that may be too many. What do you guys think.
 

forrestcook

forrestcook

Large Fish
#16
Sep 11, 2007
224
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www.forrestcook.com
#16
Luffa or Lufa rock is basically a lave-type rock... the reason a lot of people use it in aquariums is that it s very easy to shape and drill... but that can also play against you. depending on the quality rock you got, it will either stay nice and beautiful for a long time, or completely fall apart. The density of that rock is not consistent, so the results are varied. Good luck with it!
 

ChrisShip

ChrisShip

Medium Fish
#17
Sep 17, 2007
60
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#17
Added 6 more pounds of luffa rock along with fake plants for additional hiding places. I also added 2 yellow labs (per my wifes request):




Two of the Jewels have paired off and laid some eggs. I plan on setting up a new tank for them over the next couple of weeks. Perhaps a 20 gallon long.

 

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