I have a limestone rock that I bought at the beginning of my aquarium keeping and forgot about it. I know that it changes the pH and hardness of the water, but by how much?? My pH is 7.8 and I'm afraid for it to go any higher. I would love to use this beautiful rock. I don't know the hardness of my water. This rock will most likely be going in my Red Cherry Shrimp tank, but I don't know if they can handle the change. I bought this rock because I was supposed to get a few of my friend's Convicts and Tiger Oscars and put in a 10g. Yeah, bad idea I know now. But I would love some advice on this rock. Thanks.
Limestone Rock Affecting Water Parameters
- Thread starter Kiara1125
- Start date
There's really no way to know how much it will change water parameters. Obviously, the larger the rock is in relation to the size of the tank, the bigger the changes will be. The rock will raise parameters slowly, though, so it's unlikely to kill your fish by a rapid swing. It could, however, cause problems over time.
I'd probably use it as a decoration in the yard, rather than in a fish tank.
I'd probably use it as a decoration in the yard, rather than in a fish tank.
Hello; If I recall correctly Limestone is made from the shells and and such of ocean creatures in shallow seas. Many of the them are very small. They form layers over a very long time and eventually form limestone rock. Acids can dissolve limestone. The CO2 in water makes a very weak acid that will very slowly dissolve some of the limestone and will likely raise the Ph over time. This is why I do not use it in most tanks or coral or shells.
I live in northeastern TN on a karst limestone formation. There are many sinkholes and limestone caves around here.
Some fish are from areas wher the water has a higher pH and would be comfortable at the higher pH.
I live in northeastern TN on a karst limestone formation. There are many sinkholes and limestone caves around here.
Some fish are from areas wher the water has a higher pH and would be comfortable at the higher pH.
Well, funny thing you mention that Laura. I put the rock in a 5 gallon bucket a week ago, checked the water today and it's 7-7.2. My eyes are tricking me with the color, but I know that it's around there. My normal pH is 7.8, so I was suprised that it went down. I used my normal water for this experiment as well.