Texas Holey Rock – Everything You Need to Know

Texas holey rock, also known as Honeycomb limestone, comes from Texas and is a popular tank accessory among fish keepers. It helps harden the water and balance the pH in some tanks. This limestone contains holes and chambers, providing places for the fish to take refuge and sleep. It is a popular element in aquariums with cichlids.

Texas Holey Rock is a natural solution for fixing water hardness and pH problems in your tank. Investing in a good quality Texas Holey Rock for your aquarium can actually prolong your cichlids’ lives. This type of rock safely buffers and stabilizes the water parameters in an aquarium.

It creates the natural buffering effect by slowly releasing calcium, magnesium, and carbonate elements into the water. More importantly, the rock does not cloud your tank water. Such a piece can immediately benefit the cichlids in your tank and help them thrive in the optimal water conditions.

You may find this limestone in tropical fish stores or get it from a pet dealer.

What is Texas Holey Rock Made Of?

Texas Holey Rock develops in siliceous, coarse-grained sedimentary rocks and crystalline plutonic rocks. A honeycomb limestone can form in all climate types. However, they are more prolific in salt-rich environments like deserts and coastal zones.

Holey rocks are more common in places with high salt concentrations and areas with frequent or occasional desiccating conditions. They occur as a result of cavernous weathering.

There are also theories that the honeycombs came into existence when a volcano erupted in Texas 4 million years ago. The Texas holey rock’s makeup encompasses two minerals – calcite and dolomite.

Where do You Find Texas Holey Rock?

Texas Holey Rock or Honeycomb limestone originated in the state of Texas. However, holey rocks form naturally in several countries and are widely available for sale.

Is Texas Holey Rock Safe for Cichlids?

Unlike the manufactured holey rock replicas, an all-natural Texas Holey Rock is 100% safe for aquarium fish. The rocks get harvested from an exclusive area in central Texas, carefully hand-selected, inspected, and pressure-washed with pure water.

The Texas holey rock undergoes several quality-testing protocols to ensure the safety and health of your cichlids. Besides, the rock balances the hardiness of the water via the slow release of calcium, magnesium, and carbonate elements, which prevents the water from clouding.

How Much Does Texas Holey Rock Cost?

A Texas Holey Rock aquarium decor can cost $2 – $4 per pound. A 45 lbs. Texas Holey Rock can cost $150, while a 90-lbs medium-sized limestone can cost $339.95. It is pivotal that you buy your limestone from authorized and certified dealers to get the best value.

With so many Texas Holey Rock replicas on the market, it can be easy to fall for fake ones. Do your fair share of research before any purchase to get your hands on a genuine piece.

Can You Glue Together Holey Rocks?

You can glue two holey rocks together using super glue, silicone adhesive, or epoxy resin. Just make sure you have a strong adhesive available to ensure a sturdy outcome. Here’s how you can stick two holey rocks together:

Tip 1 – Use sand for adhesion

Sand the areas where the two rocks meet using fine-grit sandpaper and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Sand guarantees a better bond and ensures a more efficient adhesion.

Tip 2 – Ventilation is crucial

You want to cover the work surface with a plastic tablecloth and place it in a well-ventilated area. Set the stones and adhesives atop the tablecloth and begin the gluing process. Strong adhesives can emit pungent fumes. The better ventilated the room, the safer it is for you.

Tip 3 – The gluing process

Pour equal parts of two-part liquid epoxy into a disposable container and apply the mixture to the stones using a small brush or cotton swab. Position the rocks so that they do not slip after applying liquid epoxy. You may also bind the glued rocks together with painter’s tape until they stick to each other. Place a small quantity of putty between the stones and press the two rocks together.

Tip 4 – Wait for it to cure

Make sure to allow several hours for the bond between the rocks to cure. Look at the instructions label on the adhesive package to learn about the amount of time it takes for the adhesive to cure. Epoxy resins can take several hours to 1 day to dry completely.

Tip 5 – Choosing the proper adhesive

Epoxy putty is the most appropriate choice for gluing rocks together as it allows you to manipulate the shape of the adhesive. However, putty can be visible after it gets cured, which may affect the look and appeal of your Texas holey rock.

On the other hand, liquid epoxy resins are clear and hard and can bond your stones to fit snugly together. Epoxy resin works well on large and small holey rocks.

Does Texas Holey Rock Change Water Chemistry?

Texas Holy rock does not affect the tank water chemistry in general. However, if you were to buy a low-quality product from an unauthorized seller, the mud/clay caked into it can make the water unclean and cloudy. Once you buy a holey rock, clean it thoroughly before placing it into the tank to prevent any disturbance in the water’s chemistry.

Dragon Stone vs Texas Holey Rock – What is the Difference?

Dragon stone and Texas holey rock are two of the best freshwater aquarium rocks. The differences between the two types of freshwater aquarium rocks are as follows:

Rocks not only add beauty and definition to your aquarium but also act as hiding spots for your fish and balance the PH of the water. It is pivotal to know what each type of rock can do to your aquarium water chemistry, or you may hurt your fish.

– Dragon Stone

Dragon Stone is a commonly preferred aquarium rock as it is natural and beautiful looking. These stones do not alter the water pH or hardness as they are granite-like in nature and formation.

They look fantastic on planted aquariums and contain numerous holes, nooks, and crannies, making them an excellent natural shelter for your fish.

• Dragon Stone gets its name from its scale-like texture and can give your aquascape an aged and antique look.
• Dragon Stones come in a wide range of colors, including reds, yellows, and browns. This allows you the freedom to choose the coloring that best complements your aquarium’s overall look and feel.
• The dragon stone’s clay-like composition makes it brittle compared to other rocks, making it a safe option for your fish.
• Dragon Stone is inert and will not affect your water chemistry.
• You can get a dragon stone in different sizes starting from 3 inches.
• You can easily break a dragon stone into smaller decor pieces using a chisel and hammer. It is the best option for those looking to scape an Aquaworx Iota.

A 10 lbs. dragon stone can cost $42 – $45.

– Texas Holey Rock

These rocks originated in Texas and are ideal for tanks with African Cichlids. Their chemical composition includes calcium carbonate, which helps buffer water pH and hardness and resolves the water chemistry issues.

Besides, the holes and crevices in these rocks act as great hiding spots for cichlids and other fish in a freshwater tank.

• These are 100% natural limestone popular among cichlid breeders and enthusiasts.
• These rocks are ideal for cichlid setups.
• Texas holey rocks are cheaper than Dragon Stone.
• It is lightweight and easy to handle.
• Texas holey rock contains beautiful weathered holes and crevices, which act as hiding spots for your cichlids.
• They are a brilliant addition to any tank and keep your cichlids healthy, happy, and active.
• Texas holey rock keeps your water PH balance in check by increasing your water hardness.
• They do not cloud your tank water, making it a perfectly safe option for your fish.

Besides its pH buffering benefits, a Texas holey rock retains its value for a lifetime. It also adds more character and beauty to your tank, making it a multi-purpose aquarium decor.

The Texas Holey rock can cost $2 – $4 per pound.

Conclusion

As a fish keeper, you must consider several things before dropping a rock into your aquarium. Aquarium rocks not only alter the chemistry of the water in an aquarium but can have disastrous results to your prized little buddies.

Buying an aquarium rock without knowing what it can do to your aquarium’s water chemistry can hurt your fish’s health and break your heart.

If you own cichlids, a Texas holey rock is the perfect rock for your aquarium. These rocks are an excellent choice for freshwater aquariums and can become the cornerstone of your aquascape.

A Texas holey rock offers protection and shelter for your fish, can add more beauty to your aquarium, and ensure your tank water’s quality. Make sure to invest in a set of these hand-picked rocks to add more color and panache to your aquarium.