Decorate that tank?

[Mr. Overfilter]

Greetings all;

Based on some of the examples I've seen here and online, I've decided to hardscape my tank to a degree. To me (and my wife) this means the appropriate natural stone, driftwood and plants. I'd be grateful for opinions:

1. Should I shoot for any particular rock? Are there types I should avoid?

2. I've read that the proper type of driftwood can add particular benefits. Is this true, and if so what varieties are best?

3. I get that a planted tank can be a complex scenario. I want to ease into it properly, with manageable plants.

Until now my interest has been the fish first and the mechanisms needed to keep them alive second. The only decorations I've used are present to break up the the starkness of it all. Links are welcome!

 

[charliebankston]

The only things I've read about rocks and wood is make sure your stone doesn't leach calcium, etc, into the water. I've read about a vinegar test on rocks. I use sandstone flag stone in some of mine, it's pretty inert. And wood, I read that hardwoods only. No soft wood ie evergreens that'll leach bad stuff

 

[charliebankston]

I've bought river stone from the lawn and garden center and used that too

 

[Mr. Overfilter]

Apparently sandblasted Mopani roots are safe and buffers PH. Plus I like the way it looks. We're going out to stare at flagstone and river rocks in the AM. And buy a gallon of vinegar too. Thanks, Charlie!

 

[charliebankston]

Lol, your welcome and good luck!

 

[Ktownmatt]

This might help:
https://blog.aquariuminfo.org/choosing-the-best-aquarium-driftwood/

I've never had much luck with Mopani driftwood. It looks fantastic, but I can never get it to stop floating (i don't really want to tie or glue it to a rock).