Slate stone...safe?

Hi guys,

Im designing/putting together my first aquascaped aquarium.

I work in construction and picked up beautiful slate from one of hour sites. I'd just like to know if it will be safe for my plants/shrimp/fish?
If the rock is not safe, then would it be possible to coat it in a clear enamel and then submerse it once sealed?

Ive posted pictures of the rock and any advice would be appreciated! The stone is the perfect mountain resembling stone and would really love to find a safe way of using it

Thanks.

 

I've seen people use slate in their tanks before, but as I'm no builder or landscaper...I dont know if you get different types.

Why don't you do what we all do when we see a nice rock that we want to use...a.k.a....the "acid test"

Take pool acid (or vinegar if you dont have pool acid...but pool acid will be a better indicator) and drip some onto the slate. If it fuzzes...the rock is no good (means it will leech minerals into your tank). If there is no fuzzing...you good to go

PS. Wash the slate under running water before you try the acid test, as dirt can cause it to fuzz as well.

 

Thanks!

I already did the acid test and there was no fizzing.

However when the rocks are rubbed there is a reddish clay residue left on my fingers. however when left in water they do not cloud it up.

perhaps i can get a transparent paint and seal them? just don't know if this could be even worse!

 

It will harden your water imo. Because its so soft im sure it will leech something into the water.

 

That looks like a clay shale stone. I would say it's a no go for a tank

 

ive used similar slate, no problems and i lined the botom of a 1,65m tank with slate tiles

 

I wouldn't seal it, as a complete waterproof seal by painting is probably not achievable.Toss it in some water, do water parameters before adding stone, and at weekly intervals, if nothing changes you're good to go, if during the acid test there was no fizzing, you're probably OK.

 

Definitely don't seal it if you're planning on putting and pleco\LCats in the tank. They could end up wearing the sealant off and ingesting it whilst sucking on the rock.

 

Stunning rocks! Call them ADA Dragon Droppings or something and sell them for mucho cheddar

 

I use the normal black slate in my tanks, as I had a crap load lying around when I redid my floors. Didn't change any of my water paramaters, or at least not enough to be noticed, but my rams love the flat surface and I have clutches of eggs on it every 1-2 weeks... Just make sure you give it a good wash in warm water and a brush.

 

Slate is a metamorphic rock and is generally hard and impermeable. I have never had an issue with leeching from the slate i have used.

I have used slate in my planted and fish only tanks for years and never had a problem. I would say clean it properly first before you put it in as there are many cracks where dirt and other uninvited guest hide.

Will be nice to see how you use it in your tank.

 

if anybody wants stone like this I will sell to them for R50/ kg. Pm me for details