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The comprehensive guide to selecting stones for aquascaping, balancing aesthetics and aquarium safety

 

1. Stone Types & Characteristics

Stone Type	Appearance	pH Impact	Best For
Dragon Stone	Jagged, eroded texture	Neutral	Mountain/Iwagumi styles
Seiryu Stone	Blue-gray layers	Raises pH	Vertical cliff designs
Lava Rock	Porous, dark red	Neutral	Biofilm growth (shrimp)
Ohko Stone	Honeycomb weathering	Neutral	Natural canyon effects

Key Tip: Always test stones with vinegar – if it fizzes, avoid (high calcium content alters water hardness).

2. Selection Criteria

• Size Ratio: Largest stone should be ≤1/3 tank length to avoid overcrowding.
• Color Harmony: Use monochromatic stones (e.g., all gray-scale) for minimalist layouts.
• Ecological Safety:
  • Rinse stones to remove debris.
  • Boil non-porous stones (except slate – may crack).

3. Stylistic Pairings

• Nature Aquarium: Mix dragon stone with driftwood for jungle vibes.
• Zen Style: Uniform Seiryu stones in asymmetrical groups.
• Biotope: Use locale-specific stones (e.g., slate for European creek tanks).

4. Pro Tips

• Focal Points: Place the most textured stone at the "golden ratio" point (1:1.618).
• Avoid:
  • Sharp edges (harm fish).
  • Metallic-look rocks (may contain toxic minerals).