A Whole Bunch of Reasons You Should Be Using River Rocks in Your Aquarium!

Hi!
There's nothing like beautiful, smooth river rocks and there are SO many reasons why I think you should try using them a whole lot more!
If you want more unique ideas check out my Instagram: @thesmallscape
Looking for the best shrimp and nano fish around? Check out: flipaquatics.com/
As always, thank you for stopping by! Joanna :-)
#plantedtank #nanofish #nanotank

[@_forever_wild]

Just a tip for anyone who is going for a river or stream scape setup. The tricky part is in generating a sense of scale. This means you need to have large boulders and small gravel and others in-between of the same kind. So don't just pick up large stones alone.

[@mariacollins]

Love the tip about not boiling them. I didn't realise they could explode. I definitely agree that they add the relaxation factor to the tank. Thanks Jo ❤️

[@Yonnie2436]

I want some river rocks now 🙆🏾‍♀️!!!!😁

[@chriscyr4982]

Thanks for mentioning the dangers of boiling rocks, always finding someone on a forum whose boiling up a batch thinking it's a brilliant move. If anyone ever asks about washing rocks don't forget natures scouring powder, 'SALT' it's great for scrubbing, then rinse.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh ya! Wow! You are right, Chris!!

[@joshuademott7844]

A steam cleaner is really good to use as well. Kills alot of things on contact.

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

How true. Landscape supply are great places to find river rock and all sorts of other decorative rocks.

[@LightLegion]

My Borneo Loach loves his one rock and always perches on it. He waits for me to drop an algae wafers in the reptile dish and then rushes to it. When he's done, he will go back to his rock.

[@terrymahoney7912]

One thing that was NOT mentioned was the importance of making sure your rocks are aquarium-safe. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's right for your aquarium. You need to test your rocks to determine if they are in danger of raising your pH, GH or KH. You need to do BOTH the bucket test and the Nitrate testing solution test. I had rocks that passed the Nitrate solution test without a hint of fizzing and the KH (5) and GH (7) tests remained the same, but they really raised the pH. I'm at a loss to explain how that could be, but I tried the tests 3 times, so I trust the results.

[@briacarter723]

Because of your videos I was totally inspired to make my first try at an aquascape yesterday. and it turned out great! I have a grand canyon theme going. Thank you for your help. I love it

[@cherylbelott]

Hi there! I totally agree with you! They can really make a scape look relaxing and I just love your tanks! 😍🤩 The long meandering drift wood with the rocks nestled along with the tucked plants is so calming. I use them in all my tanks. PS. In the first tank shown, I love the whole aesthetic. The light shining on the greenery and the scape all together is so captivating. Just beautiful. 😌

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

I trucked my nieces Kayaks to lake George last weekend and was fishing and thought how great the rocky bottom was and that it would make a great scape!

[@kellyfay6370]

Great video! I use river rocks 🪨 cause I love all that shapes colors and sizes, and they are free! So many rivers and lakes where I live

[@thesmallscape]

You are fortunate ..must be super fun to go out “shopping”! ☺️

[@melodyhart2017]

I am a rock hound too,I love rocks and aquariums,two hobbies that go togeather.

[@johnlasco894]

Yup, I agree. A long tank with river rocks and valisneria slowly swaying in the background is my favorite aquascape. And it is very calming. 👍

[@wendihamlett105]

Love my local landscape supplier! Have a sales guy that also has aquariums! He always points out the best rocks. Great summer activity bringing home bags of rock filling the kiddie pool with water and watching the neighbor's side eyed glances as I wash rocks! Thank you!

[@thesmallscape]

Wow! You are lucky! Woohoo ☺️

[@jaymegoldie6639]

River rocks are my favourite! I like to get my kids involved collecting them on local hikes. Sometimes we sort out colour combos, sometimes we go with random natural mixes. They’re great for retaining the background substrate so you can get some height back there. You mentioned that they’re easy to clean. I use them in all my tanks with algae eating fish on purpose because they’re so great at creating a nice smooth surface to grow biofilms and algae. Great video!

[@multipletanksyndrome]

You got some Petoskey stones! Nice. (They're the white ones that resemble coral).

[@martincamenzuli4774]

River rock scapes are very relaxing.

[@thesmallscape]

Totally agree. ☺️

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Thank you, I never thought of river rocks. You're right they are the natural look 😊👍

[@terrymartins2552]

Nice aquascapes!!!

[@chrismythos4083]

And one thing your voice is calming to hear, it gives the listeners more indepth appreciation of ur ideas. Others gives me shock sometimes suddenly raising their voice😅🤭 thanks again

[@thesmallscape]

So happy to hear it! Thanks so much.

[@tree.65]

You brought up a lot of really good points. Would definitely be a relaxing scape! I 've been wanting to re -scape a couple of my nano aquariums. A river rock scape is on my list :) Thanks for making this video!

[@feralon9570]

I love river rock :) 🖤🤎

[@dhammaboy1203]

Totally agree on the river rocks - I bought a couple of buckets worth for $16 when I got my 90 gallon and I have plenty of rocks to keep changing the hard scape. They look natural and are as beautiful as any store bought rock - just way cheaper! Also an idea - I used a gurney (aka pressure cleaner) - then I let them dry in the sun. Works a treat if you have access to one.

[@audrameyer9558]

Great video! River rocks are one of my fav to use in scapes. 😊

[@thesmallscape]

Fun and cheap! ☺️

[@dianewurzer3019]

I agree with you 100% I just finished scraping my 32.5 gal. With river rocks .This was my first attempt with the rocks and drift wood. I think it turned out pretty good. Thank you I enjoy watching your videos. I’ve learned a lot from you even though I’ve been a fish keeper forover20 years and always trying something different and enjoying every minute.

[@metalhead9849]

I live in NH...believe me, rocks are abundant. Any hike I take is also a ' look for beautiful rocks' hike as well. Many of the forest roads are basically crushed granite, quartz, with mica, and more and there's larger pieces as well. Lot's of beauties. Never a water problem, and I just give them a cursory sink clean before use. Now I have too many. Oh, and I also superglue some little ones together to make interesting formations. Works nice and no unpredictable movement. AND, if you want to clean the tank or re-scape, they can removed in batches easily. Another thing. I use downed, dried , ( off the ground and aged) broken apple tree branches ( local apple farm) 🙂to simulate sunken tree trunks. I boil them for 20 minutes first. Looks great. Fruit trees are obviously non toxic and they don't alter my water parameters.

[@rohoaqualuna6356]

I recently found a landscaping place near us that carries these and some other awesome rocks for really good prices! Thanks for the info on boiling rocks, never thought of that but it makes sense.

[@chrisgoat3931]

Thanks for this info

[@bobstranzenbach4700]

Thanks

[@seanaustin8516]

I take second ❤❤❤❤⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@multipletanksyndrome]

Hey Joanna, you ought to check out the PenPlax in tank shelf. It's a triangular, plastic tray, that's facing edge looks like rocks, and it comes with suction cups so it can float in your tank. I thought it would be something cool to use for a competition. Plant it ahead of time, let the carpet grow in...

[@Evil_Genius_888]

I started a rescape of my 29g (for shrimp) with dragon stone, but wasn't pleased with the look. Over the weekend I swapped them out with round smooth white granite I found along the beaches of Lake Superior, that I did have sitting there from an old scape. It is the only hardscape in the tank and with sand in front looks much more natural.

[@kimp7160]

My daughter picked up a small rock from Lake Superior this summer and it looks great in her beta tank.

[@KellyNellas]

I love those Petosky stones too!

[@thesmallscape]

Cool, aren’t they? ☺️

[@chrismythos4083]

Hi i really love your videos and all the odeas you are sharing thank you so much, it means a lot to us who were still confused. And yah i can save money for this river rocks. I was supposed to buy dragin or seiryu stones but i like more natural look for my goldfish. Thank you!! ❤

[@alisonnicholson]

The city I live in has 3 rivers so I think I'll go collecting. Bound to find some interesting things. Save myself a bit of cash and get natural stuff for free. Win win! Stress free is always good the more natural a scape the better for me personally

[@Uschi357]

I have river rocks in almost all of my tanks. You're right, they come in so many colors. I attach anubias to small river rocks and can easily move them. I usually just wash and scrub the dirt off- done! I love the "humble river rock"!

[@shesellsfish]

River rocks are my favorite of all rocks. I love that just taking a walk can show you awesome little rocks that you can take home. Vacation rocks from the mountains and the beach are so awesome. Best part of all, you get to pick which ones inspire and speak to you, AND they are free, gifts from nature. I love them. 👍❤👍

[@Psalm13923]

I have a 55 gallon that has rocks covering the entire bottom of the tank. I live on a lake and picked them up there. I also have a huge piece of coral my husband brought me with shells that I just dropped all over. It’s a really beautiful tank and very clean and simple looking yet very striking when you walk up to it.

[@trueenvy245]

Never used river rock because I’ve never liked the look. But looking at your aqua-scape changes my mind for sure!

[@2ndflooraquatics609]

A very peaceful scape. 💚

[@thesmallscape]

☺️ see you in one week!

[@christopherseilaff8665]

Since I was a kid with my first aquarium, I have loved using river rocks. Now just got to get over my live plant fears. Past bad experiences.

[@kenyanana]

Popped mine in the pressure cooker before i began watching this ... turned it off just as it began to hiss 😂... thanks!

[@plushpossum]

I wish I had seen this video before I ordered river rocks off of Ebay. I spent a fortune on them!!!! Luckily, my husband and I were at Home Depot one day and I saw they had big bags for under $10. But I bought them off Ebay twice before I knew better. GRRRRR!!!!!!

[@VictoriaLeeCreates]

Oh wow that's a scary thought. I definitely Wont be boiling rocks. Thanks for sharing that

[@thesmallscape]

Just say no. 😆

[@carolineraimbeau1124]

I see some Petoskey Rocks in your tank also. Very cool...

[@thesmallscape]

Yes, you do - those were fun to add as well. Such beautiful rocks. 😃

[@Whitewing89]

I got a buch of rocks just from digging around in my back yard. Lovely looking rough chunks of granite, i think.

[@juliaheinritz3264]

I had a random river rock just sitting on my kitchen counter and my granddaughter asked me: "grandma why do you have a rock sitting here?"...answer: just because I like it😊

[@Whips_World]

How do you stabilize them, Joanna? Or, do you not stack them to the point where they need to be stabilized? Have you ever used super glue on a river rick formation?

[@vampgaia]

I used river rock and wood in my 75 gallon. It looks good on my opinion.

[@thesmallscape]

Did you? I bet it does look good! 😊😊

[@brendajernigan7642]

I, like you , am a rockhound, so my yard and flower beds are lined and filled with rocks. Most of them are from rivers in Colorado, Wyoming and the Yellowstone River in Montana. However I have purchased a large attractive piece of acrylic driftwood which will take up most of my space. But I will have room for some small ones:-):-). How do you feel about acrylic wood? Pros and cons. I am preparing for a planted tank. Suggestions appreciated! I have now: anubias ,coffeeferia, Amazon sword, cryptocoryme tropica, java plant, tiger lotus and dwarf lilies. Just trying different ones to see which ones will take. I am waiting on an ordered 117 gallon tank and stand. I have a 10 gal quarantine tank the largest I can keep for my space. That's why I am getting one large tank. I am not a breeder. Sorry this is so long.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

Acrylic wood can have very sharp surface's and the paint eventually comes off, but I have 2 "fake" rock decorations in my tank and I think that they look pretty natural. One of the them had sharp edges in the inside , and I took a piece of sandpaper and tried my best to soften them up.

[@brendajernigan7642]

@@jeffalbillar7625 thanks. I will check for that.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

@@brendajernigan7642 you may also want to check out "Simply Betta". One of the ladies has aquarium's lined up sideways. It kinda opens up things as far as having 5, 10 gallon tanks as opposed to one fifty gallon tank.

[@mryes413]

I have a 30 gallon half moon community tank with 5 albino corys, 6 zebrafish, 1 blue gourami and 1 honey gourami and 1 anubias tied to driftwood. I am planning to renovate it on Sunday and I'll probably space it out because it's probably going to be a big project. I am thinking about replacing the sand with a different color of sand and I wonder what else should I get to aquascape the 30 gallon half moon aquarium?

[@LushSaltyAquariums]

Hi - I'm curious about the ghost wood in that lovely river rock scape. I want to use that wood but I've heard it can rot. Was that your experience over time?

[@q.d.mcgraw]

At 3:26 aren't those Petoskey stones? Won't they cause a PH problem being that they are fossilized coral?

[@2358Jj]

Not if they are silicified.

[@DeniseSlack]

I get rocks out of my crick...and also fossil rocks I find on my property...when I worked in Wyoming I also collected petrified wood and quarts crystals...they look awesome in my planted tank

[@thesmallscape]

Oh wow, sounds like you’ve got THE best selection! 🙌☺️

[@DeniseSlack]

@@thesmallscape would you like me to send you a few?

[@sweetpea2888]

I've always loved the idea of aqua scaping with river rock, but do I need to worry about minerals such as copper, quartz etc, that could hurt my shrimp and snails?

[@WinkingWhiskers]

"don't ever boil any type of rock, some will explode" me nervously side glancing at the river rocks I've been boiling for 1 hour

[@SemiFeralJill]

Have you ever checked your rocks with a strong UV light?

[@deborahcollis9814]

River rock is easily available in different sizes

[@maryb3909]

Would river rock change the water parameters? I live in NC, my water measures 7 PH with 0 KH/GH.

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

I wonder if you could fill the whole bottom of the tank with the river rock. Do you think to heavy for a glass bottom tank? For the old slate bottoms should be just fine. Any idea? Great video as always.

[@q.d.mcgraw]

I've seen a Hillstream loach tank that was all river rock. They set a grate a couple of inches above the bottom and covered that with algea covered river rock. The intake for a cannister filter was below the grate creating a high flow river scenario for the loaches.

[@whatsthekeytothekeykat]

I have a bag or pea pebbles on the bottom and a bag of small 2-4 inch river rocks in my 75gallon. Plus like 4 bags of aquarium gravel to top it and it holds. I had been cautious about it and did some research and it seems glas tanks can hold a decent amount of rocks. Some people have huge rocks, or aquascapes with a mountain of gravel going up the back.

[@wolfone812]

Hello, I was wondering if you had any recommendations for nano fish to breed for profit. I’m planning to start a couple of ten gallons. Thanks!

[@Borogerst32697]

my nitrogen levels are all good in my new aquarium (3 weeks old), however my ph is around 8 or 8.2 . i have quite a few rocks in there, most look like granite. and i did do the vinegar test on all of them and they passed. however with everything else looking ok, i am very worried about the high ph and whether the rocks might have some limestone and thus could they be raising ph. please help. i LOVE the rocks and the look of them but maybe i should remove them???? and will they eventually STOP raising the ph or continue doing it forever? thanks

[@jamesparadigm]

💚💚💙💙

[@heaven7360]

I didn't know about rocks exploding when boiling...yikes....I boiled the heck out of them for probably 20 minutes. Lucky me. Are river rocks used for landscaping? Also, no affect on water parameters?

[@mkbsufyaan7634]

Please, Can i put in my aquarium the same pebbles but from the beach not from a river?? What should i do? Should i dip them in water for 2 days? because they were in salt water

[@karenaubrey5737]

Good Morning.

[@royalsmask5733]

Because its free you can find almost everywhere

[@maggotbrain6340]

Do they affect ph?

[@malpais03]

Anyone see the cat @ 1:21-1:25???? Pause vid and look for it. It's all I see now. Lol

[@persianwarrior8633]

You look like my aunt mehri

[@freshwaterdreamingAquariums]

😱!!! Why would you clean beautiful algae off your river rocks!!!! Love to use them in all my tanks, one of the best features you can add. (also perfect for holding troublesome plants in place until they root)

[@thesmallscape]

That’s so funny! Great point 😆 just leave the algae on there! ☺️

[@ellenlewis5770]

How many Ember tetras can I put in a 10g?

[@thesmallscape]

Hi Ellen, I think about 8 would be good ☺️

[@texasfish8382]

I would love to see someone aquascape a nano aquarium with the small side facing out. I haven't seen anybody do it. I know isn't not easy, maybe that's why.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

There's a channel where the girl has a bunch of 10 gallons with the small side facing out. She has like 5 in a row next to one another.

[@texasfish8382]

@@jeffalbillar7625 do you know the name of that channel?

[@jeffalbillar7625]

@@texasfish8382 I believe it's called "Creative Pet Keeping" and the girl is named Kasha.

[@technomad9071]

Sad you didn't mention some rocks are sacred or of environmental importance

[@user-so7rq7fs1l]

Because of your videos I was totally inspired to make my first try at an aquascape yesterday. and it turned out great! I have a grand canyon theme going. Thank you for your help. I love it

[@thesmallscape]

How fun!! Congrats! I’m sure it’s beautiful!!! 😃