Using Bio Rocks in Freshwater

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by Mongwopman, Feb 23, 2009.

  1. Mongwopman

    Mongwopman King Ding-a-ling

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    Hey guys!

    Does anyone have any experiance with using bio rock in freshwater, I bought a nice piece this weekend, and was told it could be used in both Marine and Tropical tanks. Upon more research i hear it better equipped for marine tanks. I dont mind this i just want to know if i put some in there, will algae eventually grow on it etc?

    I need to know does one prepare it first and if so how?
     
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  3. solex69

    solex69

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  4. Rowland

    Rowland

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    Is biorock not a resin based product and therefore pretty inert. I seem to remember people using it for all sorts of tanks for this reason with no ill effects. It also provides great algae and plant surfaces due to its porosity
     
  5. OP
    Mongwopman

    Mongwopman King Ding-a-ling

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    Yeah, im sure there is a difference between BIO rocks and LIVE rocks.

    Mine is the white thing with lots of tiny holes all over it.
     
  6. Henk Hugo

    Henk Hugo

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    Hi from a very hot knysa :D man i love holidays....

    biorock is ANY rock that is man made and that has not been dumped in the ocean to become Live Rock. Make sure what it is made of as it is mostly for marine tanks and thus no problem if it buffers the water to a higher ph
     
  7. OP
    Mongwopman

    Mongwopman King Ding-a-ling

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    So using it in freshwater will increase Ph?
     
  8. Altum

    Altum Sponsor

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    pH effect

    Negligible pH effect.
    Usually around 7.5-8
    It depends on what inclusion material was used for porosity, and starting raw clay material pH.

    BUT a large proportion of SA made biorock leach significant amounts of phosphates.

    IF you wanna grow algae ... GOOD for you.

    If you wanna reduce that from happening, it'll take some doing.

    Most ,if not all, are clay-based, kiln- fired ceramic products.

    These were initially produced to replace sandstone, prevalently sold until '98-2000. Subsequent sandstone supplies to pet trade dwindled, and ceramic rock took it's place.

    ALL Biorock is not created equal.

    Purity, quality, porosity and shape vary according to the manufacturer/materials.

    A KZN sculptor/marine hobbyist and I developed the BEST ceramic besed rock between 2001-2005.

    However nowadays, I sell imported "monkey rock" for FW and materials and instructions for CaribSea aragonite-based Aragocrete for SW aquaria.




     
  9. OP
    Mongwopman

    Mongwopman King Ding-a-ling

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    Monkey rock eh? Care to share some more details on that one?
     
  10. Slummies

    Slummies

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    sorry about a highjack here mwm:)

    Altum: can you get that black gravel everyone uses in the states? i think it carribean moon sand or soemthing
     
  11. Altum

    Altum Sponsor

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    Very Gnarly rock

    Very weatherbeaten look, solid rock, many shades, MOSTLY DARK, with nooks, crannies, crevices.

    Used as focal points in tropical aquaria ,especially nice if planted, and for really COOL Rift lake and Central American tanks.

    Due to handling, carriage issues - Sold in bulk batches 50kg up.

    Interested?
    Can send anywhere in SA, if freight is arranged.

    Then send pm, with requirements.




     
  12. OP
    Mongwopman

    Mongwopman King Ding-a-ling

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    Would you mind posting a Pic or 2?

    50KG's is gonna to be a bastard to ship!
     
  13. Altum

    Altum Sponsor

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    I can't post pix yet

    I get tons of the stuff, and distribute it without hassles.

    Freight is very easily arranged, Rock price offsets most shipping costs.

    WITH SHIPPING It's STILL cheaper than biorock.

    best is to call or pm
     
  14. OP
    Mongwopman

    Mongwopman King Ding-a-ling

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    Ahhh i see!

    So anychance of a photo or a picture, so we can see?
     
  15. Slummies

    Slummies

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    Photos!!!!!
     
  16. OP
    Mongwopman

    Mongwopman King Ding-a-ling

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    Hey Altum, Still awaiting a reply.
    Or do you perhaps have a link to the said "monkey rock" ??
     
  17. Altum

    Altum Sponsor

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    erm...I thought people saw last POST

    I replied.
    Last post Title "I can't post pix yet"
    Guess it's not that visible
    :wondering:

    No link, sorry.
    We'll see if somebody drops by with decent celcam :noworry:
     
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2009
  18. OP
    Mongwopman

    Mongwopman King Ding-a-ling

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    Hmm, i honestly dont see that post!
     
  19. Altum

    Altum Sponsor

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    I can't post pix yet

    mongwop
    :dontknow:

    I post and use TITLES.
    see post #12
    pm'd you about it...

    There's JUST SO MUCH ROCK, it's hard to get good pix.

    :idea: Tried today, now if only bluetooth would co-operate
     
  20. brentnorm

    brentnorm

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    Altum's Bio-rock pic.

    March 09 036.jpg
     
  21. Altum

    Altum Sponsor

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    MONKEY Rock for Aquariums

    ^^^^
    :blink1:
    Thanx Brent
    took me whole week to get 1 pic up.
    BTW that is The WaterZoo MONKEY ROCK, not bio rock.

    Maybe I SHOULD send Rory some fish to take pix and post, eh?
     

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