Hello azure,
I see I wasn't the first to reply in this old thread! I didn't realize how old it was until I saw your post...
I used to live in New York -- you're upstate?
Osage... lol, IF one has a Michaels... (I wish, got two small water fountain pumps one when visiting my mom in Oregon long ago) I used them in aquariums when creating a falls over rocks.
There are plenty of Michaels out here; great stuff for inside a house, too. We have a ton of plants around the house (fake) that came from Michaels.
Although I would agree if one has no idea what type of rocks "are in one's yard" then best if in question not to use them...
That said...
I use rocks I find all the time but then I know what type they are (geology for a few years along with much biology and other sciences) or one can find out by doing a bit of research into the area and geology. (lots of information on line now... I used to go to natural history museums - and their staff is always helpful in identification then it's easy to know if the rock is safe or not)... any from most rivers are suitable for fresh water aquariums.
Fair enough; being that it's your apparent background, I'll give ya the benefit of the doubt here -- I just personally wouldn't drop any "ornament" into a tank that came from outside; there's something that just concerns me about it...
NYC state, granite mostly and variations of it... (as well I have a background in ceramics clays so on (decades of) and chemistry of ceramics where we learned about river systems as that is how various clays are formed (erosion of different rock formations).
I found great granite on the local beaches (Montauk) here as well - unfortunately after I paid a lot for some at a local rock landscaping yard... and much more attractive.
So, you're on the Island? I'm originally from Atlantic Beach!
I always feel fake plants are good for hospital tanks and real ones vital for the biology of the aquarium (absorb wastes, contribute oxygen and allow for micro bugs that fish can pick on). But fake better then bare as most fish feel much more secure... (unless that is their biotype)
Perhaps, but I am just not of the camp that can endure the extra care plants need -- I can barely keep up with the fish's health! That said, I am keeping fancy goldfish, and that's a recipe for disaster with real plants anyway.
Well got an email but thread old so we will never know how the tank turned out! lol
I suppose not; I have found on all forums, no matter the topic or hobby, most people don't even return to their original post ever again to comment. I find it so...weird.