I have to disagree, slate is one of the safest rocks you can add to a tank. A new aquarium is a biological clean slate. The tile I bought is probably about 50lbs and I paid $20. It also does not break down in water. Experts have mixed opinions; many argue that unless you are an expert at identifying rock composition, it's best to go to a pet shop and purchase rocks and substrates that have been deemed safe for aquarium use. Most slate sold for aquarium is grey. Yep. Most rainwater is fairly clean nowadays, but if you lived near a factory, power station or busy road, you might want to think twice before using it. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. But don’t stress! Like shale, slate can vary in color (dark red, grey and green) or have streaks of color. 99. I put the 5 tiles in the tank to make steps going up & a basking area. Totally inert in water. DIY Aquarium Slate or Flat Rocks Decor Aquascape. 10x Reclaimed Slate Roof Tiles - Natural Welsh Slate. A) NEALE MONKS REPLIES: Rainwater can be safe, but it does absorb airborne pollution, and that could cause problems for your fish. Can I use slate as a substrate in a freshwater aquarium? 3. Since I think inverts are a great way to add a little spice to a fish tank, even if you don't have any immediate plans to have any in there, I would just go through and make sure you don't use any sections of slate that actually have the nail holes or nail marks on them. I have to get a few more tiles as it is not quite high enough to get his full shell out of the water. I've done lots of googling and get conflicting hits coming back, some say yes and others say no-way so I'm confused. Thank you. You can also find slate cut into thick pieces for making outdoor walkways, and for indoor flooring. ... Do some searches on line for slate stone quarries. 4.1 out of 5 stars 54. Buying fish on the same day as the aquarium. I’m here teach you everything you need to know about choosing the ideal silicone for your aquarium, including which is the best for your tank! A new aquarium set up should be run for a minimum of 2 to 3 days before the first fish are introduced. $15.99 $ 15. many available in various sizes, 10 will be sent at random. Even decorative items that seem harmless, such as pieces of natural driftwood or porous rock, can harbor hazardous chemical residues that can kill fish. A newly set up aquarium is not ready for fish on the first day. Get it as soon as Thu, May 6. 4. The slate I have are chunks that range from 2cm to 5cm and where being used in an aquarium before. 10 x Reclaimed Welsh Slate Roof Tiles Fish Tank Ornament Job Lot Arts & Crafts | eBay Many streams here in Wales, are slate bedded. Thank you! Condition is Used, shipped via a tracked courier. Other authorities, however, believe that using collected gravel and stones is acceptable, provided you follow instructions on how to test them to rule out hazardous components. I'm also working on building him a custom tank as his 55 gallon tank … Slate is much harder and stronger than shale, it is commonly used to make pool and billiard tables. I tried the vinegar test this AM & there was no fizzing. Expand signature. The slate does tend to loose its Sharp edges, and round off in running water. It turns out that not all silicone is safe for aquarium use. Adding too many fish to a new aquarium. Using the wrong type of silicone in your aquarium can kill your fish! If you go to an aquarium store, you can usually find some real slate "sized" for aquariums (and $2/lb where I am!). Everything that comprises the aquarium environment must be chosen with care. Aqua KT Fish Breeding Cone Spawning Slates for Aquarium Landscape Fish Tank, 7.1 Inch Height, Made of Natural Ceramic. Anything you place in your fish tank has the potential to leach harmful, poisonous chemicals into the water. You can also check MinDat.org, which has slate quarries listed by state and some by country. You can buy slate rock from that amazon link. Won't have any effect on water quality at all.