Adding rocks to Cichlid tank

[JayJay_65]

Alright so Ive got a 36G long.. (heres a few photos):

(before setting it up):
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphoto...39520743064_1084382298_32422635_8178075_n.jpg

(after):
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphoto...39521903093_1084382298_32422663_4034210_n.jpg

Alright so I want to put in rocks for it.. Im using this photo as an inspiration..

1):
http://www.aquahobby.com/tanks/img09/02_Malawi_Cichlid_Tank_1.jpg

2):
http://www.malawimayhem.com/images/gallery/5685Full Tank 4 May 06.JPG

3):
http://www.cichlids.com/uploads/tx_usercichlids/user_pics/5012/z_boku_6108dbab76.jpg


To get that type of setup, I need rocks that are smaller and able to put in the tank.. I was thinking about going out and getting them from the wild instead of buying them in stores because for some reason that just sounds like such a better idea to do.. Only problem is im not really sure which are allowed in my tank and the preparations as to getting them in my tank (i think its just boiling them for a while)..

Can anyone give me advice as to what rocks i can and cant put in my tank and the preparation needed for them?

 

[fishnewbe]

i find all my rocks myself to all i have ever done is boil them for 5 min. and from what i know (not alot) u can put any rock in becouse it might bring your ph up but cichlids like it higher

 

[abrahamavelar]

+1 also you can make your own, on my cichlid tank i put some that i found, what kind of cichlids are you getting, i have mnuba, peacock and white calvus the peacocks and calvus are in one tank and the others in other

 

[mfdrookie516]

i wouldnt go adding just any rocks, some like limestone will buffer the ph, but will also turn your water white... you also have to think of pesticides that could have been used around the rocks. i would be very careful about that... also, imo, 36g is too small for a mbuna setup, or most any cichlid setup unless you go with dwarfs... 40g breeder or 55g is the smallest i would go, but thats jmo

 

[fishnewbe]

+1 also you can make your own, on my cichlid tank i put some that i found, what kind of cichlids are you getting, i have mnuba, peacock and white calvus the peacocks and calvus are in one tank and the others in other

??? u can make your one rocks???

 

[abrahamavelar]

yes yup you can find some of those in the diy section but basically you need some small shields (the tint kind) or crushed coral some portland concrete and water and some sand but the diy section will teach you better im actually making some for my sw tank

 

[jackdaniel]

Check the landscape stores. Go to the place gardeneers go to to get rocks and slate. Much cheaper than LFS.

Be careful with random rocks in your backyard. Some explode!

 

[abrahamavelar]

well i went to some of them when i was looking for sor some to put wit my cichlids and i found out that many lfs sell roc for 50 cents per pound

 

[izzasy]

I still get my rocks from my LFS. I haven't tried from any gardening stores, they may cause some chemical disturbance to the tank. You have really nice inspiration, you can check this as well for inspiration: http://www.aquariumfishexperts.com/category/aquascaping/