I'm looking for rocks and wood. Nothing specific, although I love lava rock. Where's a great place to purchase, that isn't overpriced? Or anyone you know that has some.
ISO/WTB Decor
jonclark96
Past CCA President
If you are set on buying stone instead of finding it out in the "wild", Irwin Stone would be my recommendation. I think there is a location in Rockville and one in Frederick. A lot of the stone that they sell is for construction purposes, so its sold by the ton rather than by the pound. While I haven't been in a while, the last time I went, I think I picked up a 5 gallon bucket full of river rock for less than $5.
the thing about finding it in the wild is, I don't know if its safe to place in the tank.
Freakgecko
Members
Most of my tanks have wood or rock from outside. One has a 5’ long stump that I dragged from the woods (it’s a hardwood) and rocks I collected locally in Silver Spring when I lived there. That tanks been running with that stuff since 2015
Becca
Members
If you're thinking of taking wood from outside, avoid conifiers/pine/evergreens and Maple. Sycamore and Oak are OK, but you need to let it fully dry and may want to strip the bark off.
lock jaw
CCA Members
I bought some coral base rock (dead rock), I've had it sitting in the box I got it from, since, I haven't had the time to chisle them to smaller pieces. There are two large pieces a little over 40lbs (combined) and I bought them for about $50. I would be willing to let them go and I can share pictures of it if you are interested.
Becca
Members
Won't this impact water hardness/ pH? I'm not sure about the lace rock, but I'm pretty sure this would.
Freakgecko
Members
Yeah I think both would
lock jaw
CCA Members
Affect the pH how though? Like reduce it?
lock jaw
CCA Members
These are the rocks that I have. 
Im pretty sure all rocks will effect water in some way shape or form. when I used the lace rock I was always stable around 7ph.
DiscusnAfricans
Past President
The coral base rock (dead rock) is mostly limestone and will raise the pH and hardness. Lace rock, river rock, and most other popular aquarium types are inert.
CSnyder00
Bearded Wonder
Agreed. Sandstone (river rock), granite, and other types of rocks are inert and will not affect pH. Some certainly will. Just look up the type of rock you are looking to acquire and the interweb will help. Just make sure the source for information is credible.
toddnbecka
Members
I use coral in my tanks to buffer the pH and avoid old tank syndrome. I have quite a lot of malaysian and mopani wood on hand since I switched most of my focus from fish to snakes, as well as several milk crates filled with rocks of various shapes and sizes. If you want to come get the rocks they're free, and I would be happy to sell the wood for much lower prices than I originally paid just to clear it out of the basement. If you want or need aquaclear 70 or 110 filters, whisper AP 300 air pumps, sponge filters, of 300w heaters I also have those available.
