Fish tanks are an excellent way to spruce up any room. They add a touch of elegance and provide a sense of tranquility while also being fun to watch. But what if you want to add a little pizzazz to your fish tank by adding crystals?
You can put quartz and other crystals in a fish tank without harming the fish or affecting the water. Quartz isn’t water soluble, and it won’t affect the quality of your water. However, before adding any crystals to your fish tank, clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
In this detailed guide, I’ll discuss whether or not it’s safe to put quartz and other crystals in a fish tank and how to do it. I will also list crystals you should avoid adding to your fish tank. Buckle up, and let’s dive in!
Is It Safe To Put Quartz and Other Crystals in a Fish Tank?
It is safe to put quartz and other crystals in a fish tank. Quartz is non-toxic and doesn’t react with water, so it won’t alter your tank’s water quality. Before adding them, boil the crystals for 10 to 15 minutes to clean them thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris.
When putting crystals into your fish tank, add a layer of sand or aquarium gravel to the bottom of your tank to hold them in place. Avoid stacking them and instead, place them in the middle so your fish can swim around them easily. Choose smooth, polished crystals over rough, jagged ones as they’re less likely to scratch or damage your fish tank.
Safe Crystals for Fish Tanks
While crystals provide an excellent way to add some flair and decoration to your fish tank, not all crystals are safe to put in a fish tank. Some crystals can release toxins that can harm your fish, so it’s essential to know which ones to avoid.
Safe Crystals:
- Quartz (crystalline, microcrystalline, rose, and smokey)
- Jasper
- Citrine
- Ametrine
- Tiger’s eye
- Agate
- Amethyst
- Granite
- Slate
- Jade
- Onyx
- Petrified wood
It’s important that you source these crystals from a reputable place, as some may be dyed or treated with chemicals that can harm your fish. For instance, crystals polished with lacquer can potentially poison the water and kill your fish.
Unsafe Crystals for Fish Tanks
Conversely, there are some crystals you should never put in a fish tank as they can be toxic and release harmful chemicals into the water. Most of these crystals have a hardness level below seven on the Mohs Scale and will readily dissolve in water, releasing toxins that can harm your fish.
Unsafe Crystals:
- Coal
- Pyrite (fools gold)
- Dolomite
- Sandstone
- Limestone
- Azurite
- Gypsum
- Celestite
- Turquoise
- Malachite
- Kunzite
- Lepidolite
- Halite
- Angelite
- Fluorite
- Calcite
How To Put Quartz and Other Crystals in a Fish Tank
Now that you know the safe crystals you can put in your fish tank, it’s time to learn how to do it properly. You don’t want to dump the crystals in your fish tank, as this can affect the comfort and safety of your fish. Stacking crystals against your fish tank walls can also damage the glass.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put quartz and other crystals in your fish tank:
- Choose the right size quartz or crystal for your fish tank. Avoid putting large crystals in a small fish tank, as this can crowd the space and make it difficult for your fish to swim around.
- Boil the quartz or crystal for 10 to 15 minutes. Boiling your stones will clean the surfaces and remove any dirt or debris. Use a clean cloth to dry them off before adding them to your fish tank.
- Place a sand or aquarium gravel layer at the bottom of your fish tank. Using a base layer of finer substrate will help keep the quartz or crystal in place and prevent it from floating to the top.
- Add the quartz or crystal to your fish tank. If using multiple pieces, space them evenly so your fish can swim around them easily.
- Monitor your fish tank for the first few days after adding the quartz or crystal. Monitoring your tank to ensure your fish are comfortable and show no signs of stress is critical.
There you have it! Your fish tank is now decorated with beautiful quartz and other crystals. Sit back and enjoy the stunning beauty they bring to your home.
Final Thoughts
Quartz and other select crystals are aquarium-safe and make for beautiful decorations in your fish tank. Be sure to boil the crystals first to clean them and remove toxins. Avoid using rough, jagged crystals as they can damage your fish tank and potentially harm your fish.
Remember to perform regular maintenance on your fish tank and clean the quartz or crystals when necessary to prevent the build-up of algae and bacteria.
