Having an aquarium filled with colorful fishes provides a good dácor in your home or office. What is even better is that it doesn't only serve as a decoration to brighten up a room, it is also a therapeutic tool that helps lighten up the mood.
Studies suggest that aquariums reduce stress and calm down the nerves. By watching the fishes swim, eat, and play, you can significantly decrease your stress and anxiety. Even people who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease can benefit from aquariums.
But before you buy your aquarium and fill it with different fishes and decorative rocks and plants, you must know that there are a good number of choices you can choose from. In choosing aquarium rocks, you should know which types are safe to use in an aquarium.
Three Major Types of Rocks
Igneous Rocks
These type of rocks are decorative but offer no other benefits. There are acidic, intermediate, and basic igneous rocks. A lot of these rocks are non-porous and suitable for use in the aquarium.
Meanwhile, weathered igneous rocks are porous and soak up water, becoming weathered and spongy. They take up potential pollutants from their environment and release them slowly into the aquarium.
It is advisable to opt for water-worn specimens or fresh rocks that have no sharp edges. It is not ideal to use igneous rocks that are highly mineralised with iron and other minerals.
Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks came from deposited layers of sands and silts. Their composition varies on the material that bound the deposit together like lime, quartz, and mud. There are two types of Sedimentary rocks: the sandstones and the limestones.
They are both considered decorative. But like, Igneous rocks, choose non-porous, quartz-based sandstones for a freshwater aquarium. Limestones, on the other hand, are ideal for a marine aquarium.
Metamorphic Rocks
These rocks are formed from the igneous and sedimentary rocks, by pressure and heat. The most common metamorphic rocks are marble, dolomite, and slate. Marble is ideal for aquariums that require high pH. It has a good buffering property and is also used as an eco-friendly alternative to coral rubble or coral sand. Dolomite is good for alkaline environment. Lastly, slate is good to use as flat surfaces for spawning.
Choosing the right type of rocks, plants, and ornaments for certain species of fish can be hard especially if you are buying an aquarium for the first time. It is advisable to do research, read articles, and seek the help of professionals. Ensure that you source your fish and aquarium supplies from a reputable provider.
Whether you are buying an aquarium for the first time or doing it as a hobby, it is important to be cautious. Learn more about responsible fish-keeping on this site. Article Source: EzineArticles |
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