The Planted Tank Forum banner
Cancel

Texas holey rock in shrimp tank, inert or no?

7399 Views 13 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  ravensgate, 
ravensgate
Went to one of the big aquarium stores a couple of weeks ago and got a small piece of Texas holey rock for my new shrimp tank. I asked the guy about it and he said it was inert and would not raise pH. This wasn't a Petsmart or chain, this is the best aquarium store in the area and has been around for years so I trusted them far more than I would any other LFS. At any rate, I'm finding that might not be true and it can raise pH. BUT, here's my set up. 12g long, and the rock itself is maybe 3 inches in diameter. Substrate is Azoo Plant Bed Grow. Will a rock this small raise the pH that much??? Photo to put into perspective. Rock is on the left (only gray rock in the tank!)

Attachments

See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
somewhatshocked
It'll definitely alter your water parameters but that doesn't mean you can't use it. Remember, pH isn't the only factor to consider. Also have to think about TDS and hardness when it comes to more sensitive species of shrimp.

What sort of shrimp will you be keeping?

Because you may be able to adjust your parameters to work with the rock you like.
Reply
Save
Like
wkndracer
Texas holey rock is basically a made up name for limestone, it raises KH buffers and will definitely raise the tested pH value and increase TDS. If you want to test that information fill a bucket with water test it, drop the rock in the bucket soaking in it for a week and test again.
Reply
Save
Like
Aquatic Delight
wkndracer said:
Texas holey rock is basically a made up name for limestone, it raises KH buffers and will definitely raise the tested pH value and increase TDS. If you want to test that information fill a bucket with water test it, drop the rock in the bucket soaking in it for a week and test again.
Click to expand...

+1

i can promise you that rock will change you parameters. living in san antonio we live off aquaifer water. that aquaifer is surrounded by limestone, and our water is hard as ____.

its not really a made up name, its been used for years by locals. if you have hard water fish use it, if you don't then don't use it. this rock is limestone that has been erroded by rainwaters, and oceanic water from waaaaaaay back when texas was underwater. earthquakes (yes we do actually have them) and such caused these rocks to fracture and allow water to seep in a create these awesome holes.

really cool looking rocks in tanks. i hear they are great for cichlids and other cave dwelling fish.
Reply
Save
Like
ravensgate
I'll be keeping OEBTs and PFRs in the tank. I haven't done any testing yet because I just flooded it last night. Well, I tested TDS and it's running at 147 so far. The soil should buffer at 6.5-6.8, then I've got the driftwood in there as well. So if anything I might wind up buffering too low and the rock may help...I think. From looking for info I've found that when it does raise it it's not enough to really work with (most sites say there are much better ways of raising pH and don't rely on the rock to do it, that sort of thing). I realize as it breaks down it may begin to alter more so I figure I'll just keep a close eye on the params and if it throwing the off, I'll just remove it.

I'm so aggravated that I went to the ONE place I thought I could trust the info and was misinformed. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Cause of course I really like the dang rock, it has a cave like area on the bottom I think the shrimpies will really enjoy, then just a few holes. I think with those two species also it won't be as big of a deal as if it were something like BKKs or lower pH species. Of course, I could be wrong there and am open to more info:)

Thanks for the posts!
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
wkndracer
Aquatic Delight said:
+1
aquaifer is surrounded by limestone, and our water is hard as ____.

its not really a made up name, its been used for years by locals.
Click to expand...
hahaha not just for you in Texas but most of the Florida bedrock is the same stuff, not really made up??? that's a local used for years kinda slang term by your own posted admission isn't it? Sort of silly to deny yet defend, rather be proud of the fact local slang's get translated into a globally recognized term! :proud:

While the reality of what holds my house above water is mostly limestone we can't claim it to be Florida holy rock, people would think we were nutz.
Reply
Save
Like
M
Nice scape.
Reply
Save
Like
ravensgate
Mr. Leg said:
Nice scape.
Click to expand...
Thank you VERY much! It's my first scaped tank so I'm super excited about how it will look when it grows out and fills in:)
Reply
Save
Like
wicca27
holey rock might be good for cardinal shrimp or harliquin
Reply
Save
Like
magnum
Every Texan knows, if the word Texas is used to describe a rock its limestone.
Reply
Save
Like
TexasCichlid
People, including myself, use Seiryu stone in shrimp tanks. Holey rock will be fine. Keep an eye on TDS and keep on top of your water changes.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Reply
Save
Like
sbarbee54
Pass on it. It will take your buffered 6.6-6.8 to 7.4 plus depending how much you use and what your water starting ph is it could be higher
Reply
Save
Like
mordalphus
Yeah, the limestone will throw your parameters into an ever changing wonder. I would skip it.

Also one thing to consider, is that it will also cause your soil to stop buffering faster. You could have a buffering soil last 2 years if you're lucky, but with a chunk of limestone in your tank you could cut that in half or less.
Reply
Save
Like
ravensgate
Well I went ahead and yanked it. So sad...it was so pretty in there. I know they make resin ornament type texas holey rocks but I probably won't be able to find something that small and nice. Phooey. Thanks for the feedback everyone:)
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
The Planted Tank Forum
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Tank Journals General Planted Tank Discussion Equipment Fish Shrimp & Other Invertebrates
Top