Aquarium Ornaments

Question
Hi.

Is it possible to create your own rock work out of cement (concrete) for a Malawi tank? Or is it poisonous for the fish?

Thank You.

Answer
Hi Jacques,
Thank you for your letter. Please don't use cement, as it may leach out into the tank. (I think. You may double check that with someone who knows more about cement.) Good materials are tinted glass tiles, slate, other natural rocks. Some people use driftwood, but it may turn the tank brown for a couple months.
Check with your local aquarium supply shop for materials. Sometimes even rocks and driftwood sold at aquarium shops will turn the tank brown for a while. It's a tricky hobby.
You can also use silk plants, but change them out when the material starts to attract algae.
Here is my page for holistic aquarium care:
http://steamboats.com/aquarium.html
Nori