Any home depot rock tank safe?

enutees · 06/10/2006, 12:42 PM

I'm building a bubble tower and I need some rubble to throw in it. I don't feel like paying the $5 a lb. It will take 3 or 4 so I was looking at the different types of rock at HD. They sell various sizes and types for $3-$5 for a huge bag.

Is any of this stuff okay in the tank? It won't show and it is really just there to break up the bubbles so being live matters little to me.

Thanks in advance.

reefnetworth · 06/10/2006, 12:46 PM

no! you need rubble "live rock" mostLFS will have it for $1-2.00 for rubble. you may use lava rock for this particular application.also available at LFS. REEF-ON!!!

reefshadow · 06/10/2006, 12:56 PM

I think the "reef bones" are pretty cheap.

you can use tufa if you can find it.

Cheapest would probably be to make your own out of cement (I think there are recipes here on RC) , but it takes time to cure.

I would be hesitant to recommend any other types of rock, most metamorphic and sedimentary types can release undesirable minerals, elements or organics, so be very carefull.

If you are really stuck, how about tumbled glass? It would be inert, cheap and easy to find. May not be the shape you want though.

HTH!

enutees · 06/10/2006, 01:21 PM

Just trying to be cheap. I'll go spend the $20. I've never seen any of the stores here willing to sell rubble cheaper. I'll ask though. I've bought some before and was charged the normal price. That was a few years back though.

Thanks

Paintbug · 06/10/2006, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by enutees
Just trying to be cheap. I'll go spend the $20. I've never seen any of the stores here willing to sell rubble cheaper. I'll ask though. I've bought some before and was charged the normal price. That was a few years back though.

Thanks

ask for base or dry rock. most LFS sell it cheap. and if they only have larger pieces, then you can always break it up with a hammer.

DarthBaiter · 06/10/2006, 03:38 PM

I think LFS also sells "lace" rock which is cheaper and reef safe, just dead.

06/10/2006, 12:42 PM	#1
enutees Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 220	Any home depot rock tank safe? I'm building a bubble tower and I need some rubble to throw in it. I don't feel like paying the $5 a lb. It will take 3 or 4 so I was looking at the different types of rock at HD. They sell various sizes and types for $3-$5 for a huge bag. Is any of this stuff okay in the tank? It won't show and it is really just there to break up the bubbles so being live matters little to me. Thanks in advance.

06/10/2006, 12:46 PM	#2
reefnetworth Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 3,810	no! you need rubble "live rock" mostLFS will have it for $1-2.00 for rubble. you may use lava rock for this particular application.also available at LFS. REEF-ON!!! __________________ GIVE A MAN A FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH, HE FEEDS HIMSELF FOR LIFE. (NEVER, underestimate another man's greed) Current Tank Info: SPS dominated barebottom display with BB sump since 2005, most consistant parameters in 19+ years of reefkeeping.

06/10/2006, 12:56 PM	#3
reefshadow Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Central Washington Posts: 1,786	I think the "reef bones" are pretty cheap. you can use tufa if you can find it. Cheapest would probably be to make your own out of cement (I think there are recipes here on RC) , but it takes time to cure. I would be hesitant to recommend any other types of rock, most metamorphic and sedimentary types can release undesirable minerals, elements or organics, so be very carefull. If you are really stuck, how about tumbled glass? It would be inert, cheap and easy to find. May not be the shape you want though. HTH! __________________ All Your Coral Are Belong To Us Current Tank Info: 30 Deep Blue shallow mixed rimless, MP10, Ecoxotic LED's, SCA 301 skimmer.

06/10/2006, 03:38 PM	#6
DarthBaiter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 662	I think LFS also sells "lace" rock which is cheaper and reef safe, just dead. __________________ "Fluke, I'm yo faddah, come join me on the DockSIde!" Current Tank Info: 90g reef display 30g sump, 75g display 10g sump, 30g cube display, 12g AP reef, 14g BC reef, and a 75g planted livebearer tank.

06/10/2006, 01:21 PM	#4
enutees Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 220	Just trying to be cheap. I'll go spend the $20. I've never seen any of the stores here willing to sell rubble cheaper. I'll ask though. I've bought some before and was charged the normal price. That was a few years back though. Thanks