Setting up my cichlid tank

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I am setting up my first African cichlid tank using flagstone. I decided to go with Crab Orchard and Snowy River White because of the colors. I am outside cleaning it and the orange on the rocks tints the water (looks like rust color). I spray it until I don't see any orange in the water, however, I'm still concerned about the water in my tank. I'm wondering if it will add orange to the water in the tank and I'm wondering if it harms the fish. Is it safe or should I take it back and go with a rock that doesn't have orange in it? Thanks so much for your help!

Mysteri

ANSWER: Hi Mysteri,
If the rocks tints the water, then I would not use it.  Try boiling the rocks to see.  If after boiling them, they still tint the water, then I would not use them.  You may also want to know if the rocks will bring you water PH up too high.  I know that African Cichlids must have alkaline water, but not us past 8.5PH.  Check the rocks by putting a drops of "PH down" on it, if it bubbles, then you know it will bring your PH up.  You might want to avoid some of them so that your PH does not go over 8.5.
Hope this helps.
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lynda,
Thank you. As an expert, what do you think would be the best setup for a cichlid tank? I like the look of slate but is regular rockwork better? As for the flagstone, I think I will place the ones I have washed in a clear bucket of water for a couple of days to see if it still tints the water. I will get some PH down and test it as well.
Mysteri

Answer
Hi!
Slate is nice, but make sure there are no cutting edges.  If you live near a river, you may find beautiful rocks there.  I have found gorgeous rocks along the river where I live, but I check them first with PH down, and boil them for 20 minutes, if the rocks are okay.  It is really up to you, and what you think looks nice.  You can mix different colour rocks, or you can go with all the same colour.  African Cichlids are beautiful, they stand out more in a setup that isn't too colourful, and looks natural.  You must make lots of hiding places for them, and slate is easier to handle. I found some beautiful marble rocks on the shore of the river where I live.  I checked them, and they were okay to use.  To my surprise, I saw some in a pet store, and I couldn't believe the price...  6 bucks a pound goes up fast with rocks!!  I asked the store owner where he found them, he wouldn't tell me, but one thing I do know, he doesn't pay for them!  Check out the rivers, and lakes nearby if you have some, you may be surprised.  
You must like your tank, so the decoration is really up to you.  People have different taste.  I'm sure you will have a pretty tank.
Lynda