Fascinating landscapes in aquaristics
dragon stones | stock.adobe.com 442727130 | sandipruel
The extraordinary and fascinating dragon stone offers aquatic animals a better quality of life and more variety. In addition, the aquarium is visually enhanced.
Selected dragon stones in the aquarium are much more than decoration, they fulfill more than just being decorative in their use. It is important that the stones do not release any substances into the water, are lime-free and meet the requirements of the individual water dwellers.
origin and properties of dragon stones
Native to Japan, this natural stone, also known as Ohko, is found around clay ponds and lakes. The shapes as well as the structure and holes are created by erosion in the water.
The clay rock does not harden the water and fits perfectly into the aquarium. The warm tones and the structure are a paradise for fish and a feast for the eyes of the beholder.
Depending on their place of origin within Asia, the color of the dragon stones varies from grey, reddish, green, brown to beige, weighing between 800 and 1,200 grams. The material is relatively soft, the surface is heavily grooved with jagged and tube-like indentations.
Each stone, created in nature, is unique. Variations in shape, color and size make them unique. The structure in smaller stones is usually stronger than in larger specimens.
Use of dragon stones in the aquarium
In their bizarre shape, dragon stones with different colors are among the most popular options in the design of the aquascape / aquascaping.
With the different shapes and the scale-like surface, there are no limits to the imagination when designing an aquarium. A particularly natural layout results from the combination of smaller and larger stones.
Unlimited creativity
© stock.adobe.com ID: 270140126 | coffmancmu
Due to the strong structuring, dragon rocks are particularly suitable for imaginative construction of landscapes, as they interlock and are therefore almost non-slip.
Fascinating gorges and mountains can be created in the area of the aquascape with the natural stone. Dragon stones can be used as a bridging element between the rocks, as mountain landscapes or as a tower. The fascinating stones are particularly suitable for setting up aquariums with low water hardness, as they have practically no influence on the water hardness.
The indentations and caves of the Drachenstein as well as the plants offer a good hiding place for shrimp and other small crabs and fish.
Planting dragon stones
Epiphytes and mosses can be used in the crevices and holes. These are lightly pressed into the openings and find their footing for growth without being attached to the structures.
Clean dragon stones mandatory
In the grooved surfaces there are some deposits of loam and earth, which get caught in the cleaning filter.
Without thorough cleaning of the furrows and holes, the water in the aquarium can turn milky and brown. Worth knowing
For this reason, the dragon stones must be cleaned under running water with a brush before being placed in the aquarium.
The stones can be divided and reduced in size to add variety to the aquaristic landscape.
Fish with predominantly yellowish tones harmonize particularly well with dragon rock.
Reddish fish support the accent when planting with red plants.
Are very helpful for cleaning wire brushes in different sizes. Here you can ideally free the small holes from clay.
Available from various suppliers on Amazon* – I recommend the set with a ring (approx. 10 mini brushes).
Fish with predominantly yellowish tones harmonize particularly well with dragon rock. Reddish fish support the accent when planting with red plants.
What should you consider when buying
When building stone landscapes, stability is important to prevent fish digging in the ground from collapsing the structure. Larger stone formations that lie directly on the glass floor lead to an increased load, which can lead to tension and glass breakage.
This is prevented by mounting stone structures or individual larger stones on a plate suitable for the aquarium, which is covered with sand or fine gravel on the bottom of the aquarium.
choice of quality
Both qualities have their advantages depending on the idea for the upgrade.
First choice
Stones of the first choice have no saw edges and show no flaws.
Second choice
Second choice stones can have little or no structure and have broken edges. These are suitable for certain structures or for self-molding.
The right amount of dragon stones
The amount of dragon stones for a creative design of the aquascape should not be calculated too tightly.
1 kilogram of dragon stones for 10 liters of water is a good starting point. 2 to 3 kilograms are ideal for an aquarium with a capacity of 30 liters.
Conclusion
The clay rock with the holey or honeycombed structure in its warm earth tones offers the fish security and the people a fascinating view of natural and unusual aquariums.
It is imperative to pay attention to the cleaning, this is often omitted or carried out too little