Base rock is grey.

I went to a few LFS's today looking for some dry rock to fill in some spots in my tank. The last one I went to had some great rock and I bought some. After i cleaned it i realize it is a dark grey. I think it is the kind of rock you see in cichlid tanks. Will I have any issues putting it in my reef tank?

 

the only thing i would worry about is it leaching heavy metals

 

i think u well be fine

 

really? heavy metals?
The tank is a 150 with 30 gallon sump. I have about 150lbs of live rock in it already and bought maybe 15 or 20 lbs of rock. 3 decent size peices

 

i think as long as nobody just digs up rocks from their back yard theyll be fine with rocks in their tanks. most rocks to stay away from are lava rock and sedimentary. you will be fine

 

Agreed. In fact, whether you bought the rock or dug it up out of your back yard, it can be tested if you're uncertain. Place it in a bucket of tank water with a powerhead for a week. If the PH doesn't change, it's not leaching anything.

 

I disagree with this one. Sure you can put any rock in your tank, just like you can put lava rock in there but that doesnt make it the best choice. Solid granite isnt from my back yard but would do nothing for a tank for example. Plus like mentioned previously adding any old rock could contain unknow metals. Sure you can put it in some water, cycle it test the water buy specific tests for copper or other metals that are hazardsous to your tank, but at that point you have spent equal or more money that what buy actual reef rock wouldve been. The alternate would be to throw it in a tank & see what happens, then what do you do if there is something in the rock, watch all the livestock die off then nuke the tank sanitazationally & start over? still back at potentially much higher priced then just buying known rock. Sure that rock isnt guarenteed either but its a better bet.





A nice looking anyone rock with some tank cilling copper residue in it. You are looking for rock based off of dead/fossilized coral reefs. The reason for this is you want pourous rocks that can foster conditions for the bateria to grow & keep you tank levels in sync. Best to stick with dealers & LFS that know what they are selling.

 

these 3 rocks are the ones i am talking about. already put them in the tank so.....
The LFS i got them from said they are ok for reef tanks and "a lot of people have been buying it for sw" I just wasnt sure how comfortable i was with the guy and after seeing it was different it made me wonder.

 

Ok, obviously the pics arent working so i will have to try tomorrow when I AM SOBER!!!! lol Sorry, but it is friday.

Anyway, like i said, the rock is what u would see in a cichlid tank. It was only about 15lbs added to 150lbs of actual live rock. I loved the shapes and i am REALLY hoping i dont have to take it out.

Will try to post pics tomorrow. For now, sleepy time

 

Sounds like you got the wrong stuff, post a pic and we'll tell you for sure.