Mountain Stone Freshwater Rock 25lb (11kg)
Dramatic stone that will not push your water chemistry around. CaribSea Mountain Stone Freshwater Rock is an 11 kg (25 lb) box of natural grey and black stone, part of CaribSea's Exotica range and sold all-natural with no paint, dye or plastic coating. Unlike limestone-based aquascaping rock, CaribSea states Mountain Stone will not affect aquarium pH, which is what makes it a safer default for planted tanks, soft-water community setups and shrimp than a hardness-raising rock such as Seiryu or South Seas Base Rock.
Key features
- pH-neutral - CaribSea states it will not affect aquarium pH, so it will not undo the soft, acidic water a planted tank or a shrimp colony needs.
- All-natural finish - no paints, dyes or coatings, so there is no painted layer to chip or fade off individual stones over time.
- Organically shaped - grey and black stone in irregular natural forms, built for layered, mountain-style aquascapes rather than uniform blocks.
- Pairs with CaribSea substrates - CaribSea designs it to sit alongside its Super Naturals, Eco-Planted and Samurai Soil ranges for a matched freshwater aquascape.
Specifications
| Pack size | 25 lb (11 kg) box |
|---|---|
| Colour | Grey and black, natural variation between pieces |
| Coating | None - no paints, dyes or plastic coatings |
| Effect on water | Will not affect pH, per CaribSea |
| Water type | Freshwater aquascaping rock |
| Supplier code | CS00328 |
Each piece is a unique natural shape, so the box you receive will vary from the product photo in exact form and proportion, even though the overall colour and character match.
Preparing it for the tank
Rinse each piece under fresh water before placing it, and give it a soak beforehand if you want to check for loose grit or dust rather than have it cloud a freshly filled tank. Because the stone is inert, there is no curing period to wait out the way there is with a pH-active rock - once it is rinsed, it is ready to scape.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for: planted aquascapes, nature-style and mountain-style layouts, soft-water community tanks, and shrimp colonies that need stable, low pH and hardness.
Not suitable for: anyone deliberately trying to raise pH and hardness for Rift Lake cichlids - Mountain Stone will not do that job. For a hardness-raising rock, CaribSea's own South Seas Base Rock is built for exactly that, though it is sold as a saltwater and hard-water product rather than a planted-tank stone.
Goes well with
- CaribSea Eco-Complete substrates - CaribSea's planted and cichlid substrate ranges are designed to pair visually and chemically with its rock lines.
Warranty and delivery
CaribSea does not publish a warranty term for its aquascaping rock. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of what the manufacturer does or does not offer.
Common questions
Will Mountain Stone raise my aquarium's pH or hardness?
No. CaribSea states it will not affect pH, which is why it is a safer choice than limestone-type rock for planted tanks, soft-water fish and shrimp.
Is it safe for shrimp?
Because it does not alter pH or hardness, it does not create the water chemistry issues that catch shrimp keepers out with buffering rock. Rinse it well before adding it regardless, as with any decor.
Do I need to cure or soak it before use?
A rinse to remove dust and loose grit is enough. There is no chemical curing period because the stone is inert.
Will every box look like the photo?
No. Each piece is a unique natural shape and the photo is representative of the range of stone you will receive, not a guarantee of the exact pieces.
