Aquarium rocks have become more important than ever because of its use in aquarium design — and while they’re pretty, they serve a larger purpose.
They improve the whole ecosystem of your fish tank, from increasing the oxygen content of the water and reducing carbon dioxide, to helping in the filtration process.
We broke down the best aquarium rocks for you today so that you can not only get those gorgeous rock formations, but also help your fish tank maintain its stability.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ARC Reef Reef Stacker Dry Rock | Best Overall |  |
| SunGrow 10 Calcium-Rich Mineral Beads | Budget Pick |  |
| Caribsea Life Rock | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. ARC Reef Reef Stacker Dry Rock
Pros:
- Very porous
- A wide range of sizes
- No nooks or crannies for algae to thrive in
- The colors are nice
- Great for shallow or deep tanks
- Comes with everything you need in the box
Cons:
- Not natural looking unless you build a natural rock reef backdrop
- Not the best for fish that like to dig
- Not good if you’re looking for uniform rocks
- Some reviews say they contain a lot of dead coral
- Must be thoroughly cleaned
After turning my aquarium into a beautiful reef tank, these DIY Aquarium Rock Blocks are the icing on the cake.
I’m really impressed with this rock stacking kit. It comes with everything you need to create the exact look you want. And even if you’re a complete beginner, it couldn’t be easier.
The assortment of rocks are really cool looking. They look just like natural coral reef rock formations. You can create everything from deep under water scenes to shallow tropical coral reef scenes.
2. Natural Slate Stone 3 to 5 inch Rocks
Pros:
- Large quantity
- Comes with two sponges
- Giant sizes available
- Inexpensive
- 100% Natural Slate Stone
- No need for glue
- Smooth surface helps prevent algae
- Suitable for various aquatic purposes and environments
- Sturdy
Cons:
- Need to be cleaned well before use
- Bigger rocks are a bit wobbly
- Some complaints of chipping
- These are real rocks, so they might contain some living organisms that you may find undesirable
- Must be cleaned and disinfected properly before use. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or illness.
Aquarium owners need not spend a fortune decorating their tanks. These beautiful and natural slate stones, which are also ideal for homes and offices, are perfect for any tank.
The slate stones come in a variety of sizes and are available in dark grey and green. These natural stones are perfect for smaller tanks, terrariums, model trains, fountains, and a variety of other aquariums.
Irrespective of the size of your tank, these slate stones of varying sizes insure that your mini aquarium or terrarium has the most beautiful décor inside.
3. Lifegard Aquatics 25G-Smoky Smoky Mountain Stone 25G Rock Kit,Brown
Patented Locking Suction cups.
4. Aqualexs Aquarium Ohko Dragon Stone Rock Mixed Sizes
5. Exotic Environments Skull Mountain Aquarium Ornament
This skull cave formation from Exotic Environments is very lifelike and is perfect for any freshwater aquarium. It measures 7 inches in length and 5.5 inches in height, which makes it ideal for any tank size.
This skull measures 7 inches by 5.5 inches. It is made from real limestone, and is suitable for any aquarium. It can also be used in saltwater, and can withstand a maximum weight of 15 lbs.
The volcano formation is also incredibly lifelike, which makes it great for all marine and fresh water fish. The bottom is flat, and allows you to place it securely on the bottom of the tank.
6. Aqua KT Aquarium Landscape Mountain View Cave Rock Decoration Fish Tank Ornament，Made of Resin
Pros:
- Extremely durable and heavy
- Makes the tank look more natural and appealing
- Comes in different shapes
- Good for small aquariums
- Easy to clean …and reuse
Cons:
- It doesn’t stand up well against strong currents
- Breaks easily
- Scratches easily
- Can stain easily
7. Carib Sea ACS00372 3 case South Sea Base Rock Bag
We consider Carib Soul to be the best aquarium and fish tank rocks because they don’t only look natural, but aren’t too coarse on fish.
8. Caribsea Life Rock
Aquarium, Natural and Artificial Marine Reef Substitute.
The Caribsea Life Rock is an excellent choice for insuring that your aquarium looks like a natural reef.
The best fish to have in this aquarium is a coral fish – such as the hippo tang.
9. Carib Sea Aquatics Life Rock Display Box
Pros:
- Comes in several different colors
- Each color has different sizes
- Great for fish tanks, ponds, and water features.
- Perfect for smaller fish like guppies
- Simple to clean and stack
- Economical
- Well-structured
- Works well for small fish bowls
- Low-maintenance
- Comes with its own Aquarium water glue
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger fish
- Requires prior knowledge of arranging rocks to create a balanced, visually appealing terrarium
- Some colors have different shapes
- Like all rocks, some have imperfections
- Doesn’t include rocks for creating land
The Carib Sea life rock display box is made in the USA and works best if you’re looking to create a mini ecosystem in an aquarium. The rocks are available in 8 kg boxes in 3 different colors (Blue, Green, Brown).
Each box contains approximately 20 lbs of rocks, which is enough to fill one standard size fish tank. The product is completely sealed so it doesn’t release escaped chemicals or odors into your home.
10. Natural Slate Stone -1 to 3 inch Rocks
Pros:
- No harmful material – safe for aquariums, suitable for freshwater or saltwater fish tanks
- Freeze well to make a good landscape element
- Imperfect samples are available
- Laminated rock for the smoothest, most realistic stone available
- Great pieces for building rails or wargaming miniatures
- A beautiful, unusual gift to pet lovers
Cons:
- Images are not an exact representation of the product and are purely for illustration purposes.
If you’re thinking of building a model railroad, you’re going to need great rocks for scenery. Here are the best aquarium rocks you can get. Their natural appearance and size make them great for creating miniature landscapes for decorative display. You can also use them to create the most realistic scene possible for your school science project.
You can also build tunnels and caves for little plastic people or armies, or to build a wargaming board. The use is only limited by your imagination. They’re not so big that you won’t get a lot out of them, but not so small that it’s difficult to work with them.
11. Penn-Plax Reptology Shale Step Ledge
Adding an elevated point on the side of your tank can provide a nice basking ledge for your reptiles and amphibians. This aquarium rock does just that, providing a place for your reptiles and amphibians to rest.
These aquarium rocks come in various shapes like a large thin flat rock. They also come in a variety of shapes including a large wedge design. And a design that allows your fish to swim through … This is a good feature for your fish, as it will encourage them to swim around your tank.
Each of the rocks measure about 1 x 1.5 x 1.5 (L x W x H), and vary in depth and weight. There are also different sizes available, such as a 6 x 4 x 1 (L x W x H) that will be great for certain aquariums.
12. VORCOOL Aquarium Sea Rock Cave Ornament
13. FEDOUR Aquarium Mountain View Stone Ornament
Pros:
- Beautiful and realistic tank decoration
- 6 small plants included
- Faux plants are easy to maintain, clean, and change
- The dark colors provide stunning contrast to the rest of the tank
- These rocks are light enough to float or lay on the bottom
- The small plants only need a little bit of care
- The large rock is perfect for shy fish like betas
- Neatly package and easy to open bottle
- Excellent price for the amount of rocks you get
- Good variety of shapes and sizes
Cons:
- The waterfall rock is a bit too big for a small tank
- The little islands rock is a pain to clean, since the surface isn’t level
- The caves are a tad flimsy and don’t stand up well to finny friends
- Styrofoam always poses a threat to fish and sensitive plants
- If you have extremely sensitive fish, maybe you should stay away from artificial plants
14inchx14inchx22inch.
14. Lifegard Aquatics 10G-Dragon Dragon Rock 10G Kit
Pros:
- Available in 10G Kit or 20G Kit … or a 10G Package
- Ideal for fresh or salt water tanks
- Helps remove toxic ammonia and nitrites
- Will help to promote healthy fish growth
- Can be used substrate or decoration
- Ideal for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- The surface is very strong, so it’s ideal for aquarium use
- Made of coarse rounded granite
- The package comes with 1 dragon rock and 4 accessories
Cons:
- The packaging could be a bit better
- The instructions could be a bit better, too
- The surface may settle over time, so you may need to vacuum
- You might need to fidget and twist the dragon rock around, so you can fit it in
The Lifegard Aquatics 10G-Dragon Dragon Rock 10G Kit is an excellent product. The design is very attractive and the texture is very realistic. It’s very dense, so you may not notice it’s a fake rock in the first place.
It’s harder to find on amazon and looks like you have to order it direct from the manufacturer. However, they do have a 10% discount code – LGP10OFF.
15. DreamDealsSG 100x Tourmaline Balls
Pros:
- These crystal rock balls are safe and easy to use
- The crystals used are 100% eco-friendly
- The crystal balls are durable
- These crystal balls last for years; they simply need to be replaced when the water levels decrease
- These crystal balls neutralize ammonia and other toxins to promote optimal water conditions
- These crystal balls are designed for all kinds of fish
- These crystal balls are designed for many applications
Cons:
- The crystals sometimes break
- These crystal balls take longer than usual to dissolve
16. Marina Decor Polyresin Cave
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Comes in different sizes
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- Will not affect the pH of the water
- Will not affect the water temperature
- Can be used with freshwater fish and plants
Cons:
- They may float
- They are smaller than the actual caves
In terms of aesthetics, this rock is the best there is. It looks very natural with many different dimensions for fish to swim around. Its primary use is to house the fish and make it look like it is coming from a deep, dark cave.
It is made of polyresin, a non-toxic material that is sure to be food safe even when it comes to the fish. Aside from this, the cave also conforms to the general appearance of the fish to make them feel at home.
It is also not dangerous to any aquatic plants or even to the fish living in the aquarium. On top of this, it also comes in a variety of sizes so that you can get the size most ideal to your needs.
17. Large 3" Granite River Rock 5lb
Pros:
- Will stand out from other aquarium rocks
- Natural looking and very aesthetic
- Will last a long time, even if you live in a tropical area
- Ideal for aquariums, fountains, and fire pits
- Will appeal to all ages
- You don’t need to be an expert to set up
- Economical; you get a lot for your money
- Doesn’t require much maintenance
- Doesn’t get as hot as other rocks
- Great alternative to granite
Cons:
- Some Amazon reviews have commented that the rocks are smaller than expected
- The light gray color can get dirty quickly
- Some reviewers have said that the top layer of rock chips off easily
- The granite rocks a bit on the heavy side
- You need to buy a specialized screen or mesh that can handle larger rocks
According to a majority of reviews Amazon, the fine granite rock works well and stands out from other aquarium rocks. It’s dual toned, which makes it great for use in fountains and fire pits too.
18. Plecoceramics Cichlid Stone Decoration
Pros:
- Sized for aquariums or fish tanks – large, heavy – NOT for vivariums
- Set of 3
- Made of natural sandstone and glass with a natural finish
- Natural looking
- Reinforces the tangy, acidic taste of your fish food
- Decoration: Hideaways and Grottos for small fish and shrimp
Cons:
- Not for timid fish
- Some rocks have the top layer of sandstone peeling off
- Not natural looking enough for the discerning aquarist; must for the cichlid enthusiast
Discus and Other Large Tropical Fish (Pack of 3).
19. Natural Aquarium Stones Brown/Grey Slate
Pros:
- Available in various sizes – 3/4“ to 1-1/4“
- Comes in various colors – tan, brown, grey, pink, yellow, and black
- Available in various shapes – slate, loose, large base, large center, round, saddle shape, oval, flatten, pyramid
- Comes in various quantities – 5 pounds (largest) to 2 pounds (smallest)
- Will last for years
- Can last for generations
- The neutral pH of the rock means that it won’t harm your fish
- They’re the perfect choice for creating a planted tank
- Will help your Betta survive
- Very economical
20. BCQLI 400g Sphere Bio-Filter Media
Another rock that we tested was the BCQLI 400g red volcanic rock. This comes in a large bag containing about 400g of the stone.
It’s a dark-red stone with a smooth surface. This rock is a candidate for any freshwater aquarium and can be used for biofilters.
The material is safe for Betta fish and plants. However, because it’s porous, it can leach of chemicals. Regardless, its non-toxic material is safe for Bettas and for their habitat.
21. Penn-Plax Deco-Replicas Granite Aquarium Ornament Series
And Combines with Other Accents (Blue Crab, Orange Lobster, Sand Dollar, Seahorse, Shark, and Starfish).
The design on all of the items in this series are realistic and have a more natural feel than many other aquarium rocks, helping to create a relaxing environment. The material they’re made from is crushed limestone, also known as (a.k.a. marble) – the same material that sinks to the bottom of the ocean.
All of the items are non-toxic, safe for both saltwater and freshwater tanks and won’t cause any harm to your fish or other fish tank inhabitants including the beneficial bacteria.
22. EHC Skull Mountain Aquarium Ornament Fish Tank Decorations Small Terrain Scenery Decorations
Pros:
- Made from practical ABS plastic
- Non-toxic, safe to use
- Easy to clean
- Great for inside the fish tank
- Non-toxic
- These aquarium ornaments are anatomically correct
- Really brightens up your fish tank or habitat
- Solid construction
- Can last for quite a long time
- Withstands the test of time
Cons:
- Paint may chip off over time
- Large rock may be impossible to fit into very small fish tanks
- Small rock may be too lightweight for the fish tank
- Small rock may be too lightweight for the fish tank
- Small rock may be too lightweight for the fish tank
23. Capcouriers Small Slate Stones
Pros:
- Almost no maintenance needed
- Ideal aquarium or terrarium rocks
- Pretty design and value
- Last a long time
- Ideal for vivariums
Cons:
- Is almost dust free, dusty
- The crack easily
- Gravitate towards the pump
- They are larger than most aquascaping rocks
This is a great product for anyone looking to give their aquarium a natural finish. They are natural slate rocks from quarries in Europe. Slate is well known for its beauty as well as its ability to form when mildly heated – a process known as differential weathering.
These small natural slate rocks are great for aquarium use as they won’t affect the water chemistry of your fish tank. They are also easy to clean by soaking in hot water for a few minutes.
They are not heavy and most are about the same weight as sand. While they are not appropriate for plunking in your tank, others can be used as decor and background for your tank.
24. Nature's Ocean 12-Inch Coral Base Rocks
Pros:
- Comes with 40lb of rocks
- Much more economical than buying from a pet store
- These coral rocks are actually quite nice for the price
- Easy to use
- Fit perfectly in a 10 gallon tank
- Good for a foreground centerpiece
- Nice and rough and won’t hold onto too much algae
- Reasonably priced for the amount of rocks you get
- Fish don’t seem to be bothered by them
- Decent sized pieces of rock
Cons:
- Can take a long time to reach the set destination, with no indication of delivery date
- A bit difficult to clean your tank if your gravel vac is too strong, as they’ll be pushed around too much
25. SunGrow 10 Calcium-Rich Mineral Beads
Pros:
- It’s an effective way to introduce beneficial minerals into your aquarium
- It gives fish a natural look
- The colorful balls are bound to steal the eyes of onlookers
- They’re odor-free
- They’re easy to use, as they’re very lightweight
- They’ve got no harmful chemicals
- The balls won’t leach and cause toxic shock to your aquatic pets
Cons:
- The balls are brittle and tend to break into small pieces
- The balls are not sturdy, so they’re susceptible to breakage and cracking
- The balls cannot handle strong currents, so you’ll have to be careful where you place them in your fish tank
- The balls are small, so they’re only suitable for small fish tanks
- They’re very pricey
(Pack)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What color gravel looks best for fish tank?
Personally, I love the natural white/black pattern rocks look, but this is what makes the fish tank so unique.
The gray colored rocks can also be very good for the your aquarium. It should be noted that the gray colored rocks look best when you want to mimic the African Cichlid aquarium and for darker colored fish.
White rocks are a more neutral choice and the stones will look good in just about any aquarium theme. In addition, white rocks are much easier to take care of than the rocks with other colors.
Black rocks like lava rocks can also be nice if you are planning to have planted aquarium. Darker rocks work well as they allow more light penetration. Black rocks also tend to surround the aquarium with an impression that it comes from a cave or a river.
Which rocks are safe for aquariums?
Rocks for aquariums require a couple of specific requirements: they must be inert and stable. Submersed rocks require stability, as they can spell the end for your fish if it sinks.
Rods that are exposed should be inert. If the rock contains chemicals that can harm your fish, you don’t want it in your aquarium. The most popular rocks are limestone, marble, quartz and granite, however, many others are used now.
Can you put real rocks in a fish tank?
Yes, you can put real rocks in a fish tank, but it's important to use only certain types. There are many rocks that contain harmful chemicals and minerals that could be detrimental to your fish. Real rocks that are used for aquariums, or fish-tanks, are typically collected from rivers, volcanoes, and other natural sources.
Which brand of fish tank is best?
All of them have their good points and their bad points. It really depends on what you value most in a fish tank, be it the lightest weight, UV protected, most natural looking, best cost, etc.
Conclusion
Finding the best aquarium rocks to create a beautiful and natural-looking fish tank is not really that difficult. It’s more a matter of identifying what you want, then comparing the features of the products that are available to match your preferences.
This is where we come in. We’ll take you through what you need to know, then present you with the best aquarium rocks in the market in 2019. We’ve carefully reviewed and evaluated the features of every one of these products so you don’t have to.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ARC Reef Reef Stacker Dry Rock | Best Overall | |
| SunGrow 10 Calcium-Rich Mineral Beads | Budget Pick | |
| Caribsea Life Rock | Upgrade Pick | |