Slate rock for fish/turtle tank?

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  • CindyE

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    Anyone know where i might be able to find a good amount of slate in/near Cass County? We are setting up a 125 gal tank for our 2 map turtles, mollies, and plecos. I understand that no substrate is preferable with turtles, but we prefer to have something. Possibly some sand as well. We have lots of quarries nearby, but most of those are limestone, i believe. I'd like some larger pieces of slate. Thanks!
     

    Tactically Fat

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    Can I ask why not limestone?

    Granted - not all limestone is created equal - and some of it won't be suitable...

    But some good dimensional limestone (Think limestone building blocks - not the stuff used for crushed stone) will be A-OK as well.
     

    CindyE

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    Can I ask why not limestone?

    Granted - not all limestone is created equal - and some of it won't be suitable...

    But some good dimensional limestone (Think limestone building blocks - not the stuff used for crushed stone) will be A-OK as well.

    I'm kinda leery of using limestone, i read it is not recommended, and we already have pretty hard water with plenty of lime deposits. I wouldn't know what would be safe to use.
     

    femurphy77

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    If using limestone be sure the tank inhabitants can tolerate the effects it will have on the water chemistry. You can probably find what you're looking for at a better pet store or landscaping center but it will be pricey.
     

    Tactically Fat

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    I didn't even think about how it'd affect water chemistry. :n00b: I was just going on a water clarity standpoint.

    Never mind me, then. :D

    It may be easier to find granite than slate, too. Or even sandstone.
     

    CindyE

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    Granite should be ok, but i prefer slate, i may want to build some stuff up with it. Sandstone isn't recommended either, at least some types. There is a landscaping place in Walton that has slate, but it looks like smaller pieces. I think it's .98 per lb. I might try some of it.
     

    femurphy77

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    We had looked into building a faux rock formation for our 180 gallon tank but when we looked a little further into it they recommended flushing and filling the tank at least 10 times allowing it to sit for a few days full each time. This allowed most of the calcium and other bad things in the concrete to leach out without killing expensive (or cheap) fish. We're on a well so the thought of flushing 1800 gallons out the window wasn't particularly appealing.
     

    patience0830

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    We had looked into building a faux rock formation for our 180 gallon tank but when we looked a little further into it they recommended flushing and filling the tank at least 10 times allowing it to sit for a few days full each time. This allowed most of the calcium and other bad things in the concrete to leach out without killing expensive (or cheap) fish. We're on a well so the thought of flushing 1800 gallons out the window wasn't particularly appealing.

    My theory is, "If the fish can't handle the tank, get different fish. ":rockwoot:

    Haven't had the time to fool with one in years.
     

    CindyE

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    My theory is, "If the fish can't handle the tank, get different fish. ":rockwoot:

    Haven't had the time to fool with one in years.

    we got rid of our tanks years ago, when we thought we were going to move out of state. always kinda missed them, though, and would still stop at pet stores to look. husband said never again. then i got a small tank for my office at work, but it didn't work out, so i brought it home. hubby got bored one winter day and decided to set it up, and it just slowly snowballed from there. we are staying with low maintenance fish, no more salt water or discus.
     
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    pute62

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    It may sound crazy but check with some roofing contractors. Some of the best slate I ever used came from an old house with a slate roof that someone had redone.
     

    BigBoxaJunk

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    we got rid of our tanks years ago, when we thought we were going to move out of state. always kinda missed them, though, and would still stop at pet stores to look. husband said never again. then i got a small tank for my office at work, but it didn't work out, so i brought it home. hubby got bored one winter day and decided to set it up, and it just slowly snowballed from there. we are staying with low maintenance fish, no more salt water or discus.


    When my son moved out from home, he asked if I wanted to keep his reef tank in his old room, which was going to be my new home-office. I really enjoyed having it, and I ended up getting more live rock, soft corrals, and various fish and invertebrates. But man, that reef tank required more maintenance than any aquarium I've ever had. At one point, the filter system overflow got stuck and about five gallons of salt water overflowed onto the floor, and that was it for me and I gave it all away.
     

    CindyE

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    When my son moved out from home, he asked if I wanted to keep his reef tank in his old room, which was going to be my new home-office. I really enjoyed having it, and I ended up getting more live rock, soft corrals, and various fish and invertebrates. But man, that reef tank required more maintenance than any aquarium I've ever had. At one point, the filter system overflow got stuck and about five gallons of salt water overflowed onto the floor, and that was it for me and I gave it all away.
    That is one of my fears with using a sump. My husband just bought a nice used one, but I'm still figuring out how to set it up. I definitely do not want water all over the floor!
     

    Expat

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    I had a leaky powerfilter (one of those that hang over the edge of the tank) and didn't discover it for awhile. I had a moldy spot start showing up on the carpet and the subfloor was separating.
     

    CindyE

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    I had a leaky powerfilter (one of those that hang over the edge of the tank) and didn't discover it for awhile. I had a moldy spot start showing up on the carpet and the subfloor was separating.

    Had that happen under our refrigerator on wood laminate. :( With this tank, i think i would notice it leaking, but not if I'm sleeping or not home!
     

    indiucky

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    Bet you don't have any slate. ;)

    Unless, of course, it's small pieces in glacial outwash.

    You are correct...It crumbles and the slate colored rock I was referring to has Trilobite tracks in it so I am thinking sandstone...


    I KNEW you were going to correct me!!!!!!!

    I just wanted to help CindyE so bad because...I don't know...She just seems so dang nice on here....She's like Mom and Indygal that way...
     

    Tactically Fat

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    You are correct...It crumbles and the slate colored rock I was referring to has Trilobite tracks in it so I am thinking sandstone...


    I KNEW you were going to correct me!!!!!!!

    I finally have a reputation!

    And I do believe that you're confusing slate with shale. You DO have lots of shale.

    Slate is metamorphosed shale - and the only metamorphic rocks we have here in IN are ones that have been transported in via glaciation (and subsequent outwash) and on train cars/trucks for rail-beds. :D

    Slate will "tink" when struck with something metallic, shale will "thunk" when struck. Not a fool-proof test, but it holds true. Kind of like how leaded glass will "ting" all purdy-like when tapped, but soda glass doesn't.
     

    CindyE

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    You are correct...It crumbles and the slate colored rock I was referring to has Trilobite tracks in it so I am thinking sandstone...


    I KNEW you were going to correct me!!!!!!!

    I just wanted to help CindyE so bad because...I don't know...She just seems so dang nice on here....She's like Mom and Indygal that way...

    :)
     
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