If you’re setting up your fish tank for the first time, you might want to think about adding some rocks to your aquarium. While you may think that rocks purely serve as a visual aid in your tank, they actually have a lot of benefits to your fish and other things living in your tank!
The type of rocks you should use depends on whether you have a freshwater tank or a saltwater tank and, with so many different types of rocks out there, it can seem a bit daunting trying to choose the right one for your tank.
Fortunately, we have complied a buying guide that gives you everything you need to know about choosing the best aquarium rocks. We’ll discuss whether you really need rocks, the types of aquarium rocks, what to look for when buying and have even included some of our top picks out there on the market today. So, if you’re ready to find the right rock for your fish tank, keep reading on below.
Best Aquarium Rock – Comparison Table
| Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1) Small World Slate & Stone Store Large Natural Slate | 100% real Slate stone Excellent for Aquascaping Beautiful for Bonsai | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 2) Texas Holey Rock Natural Limestone Aquarium Decor | It comes in soft and natural colors Provides Nutrients Essential for Healthy Fish Raises and Stabilizes Aquarium Water | 4.8 out of 5 |
 | 3) Lifegard Aquatics Dragon Rock | 10 gallon kit 2-medium/4-small rocks 1-Lg/2-Med/6-Small rocks | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 4) Natural Slate Stone Rocks for Fish Tanks | 100% real Slate stone Perfect for creating walkways Excellent for Aquascaping aquariums | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | 5) Carib Sea South Seas Base Rock | Safe for all marine Durable natural Rock Calcium Carbonate rock | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 6) Caribsea Life Rock | Durable natural rock T is clean and safe for marine Unprecedented 50% void space | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 7) Small World Slate & Stone Store Small Natural Slate | Natural Slate Perfect For Creating Walkways Stones Are A Natural Grey Slate | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 8) Universal Rocks Aquarium Background | Product is flexible Easy to install Realistic rock replication | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 9) Carib Sea Aquatics Life Rock Display Box | Unprecedented 50% void space Natural weathering processes T is clean and safe for marine | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 10) Aquarium Supplies Cichlid Stone Aquarium Rock Cave Decor | Provides natural like shelter Great for bottom dwellers Perfect for breeding | 4 out of 5 |
 | 11) Penn-Plax Reptology Shale Step Ledge | Perfect for reptiles Realistic rock formation Beautiful hand painted details | 4.4 out of 5 |
| 12) BCQLI Sphere Bio-Filter Media Red Volcanic Rock | Natural volcanic rock Ornamental fish essential filter The surface covered with pores | 4.2 out of 5 |
| 13) 2 Piece Aquarium Stacking Rock Cave | Safe material Made of natural, fine and tiny compressed sand Easy to stack | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 14) Lifegard Aquatics Smoky Mountain Stone | Aquascaping Seiryu Stone For 25 gallon Aquariums Includes 2-medium/3-small rocks | 4.6 out of 5 |
Do I Need Rocks In My Aquarium?
Rocks have many benefits when placed in a fish tank and most owners choose to use them alongside substrate and other aquarium decorations and plants to create a habitat for their fish. One of the main reasons rocks are so beneficial is because they serve as bacteria colonies that can help your pet fish thrive and become healthy. They also mimic a natural environment for your fish, keeping them stress-free and happy.
The best aquarium rock can add to the beauty of a tank, too. With so many different types of rocks out there, you are free to decorate your tank however you wish and make your aquarium a real eye-catching piece in your home. Not only adding an aesthetic look to your tank, many rocks have holes and hiding spaces for your fish. This again adds to the natural feel of the aquarium and will make your fish feel safe.
Types Of Aquarium Rocks
There are two main types of rocks available for an aquarium — freshwater and saltwater rocks. The type of rock you need to buy will depend on whether you have a saltwater or freshwater tank, as both have different requirements.
Freshwater Aquarium Rocks
Freshwater tanks are easier to maintain than saltwater tanks and you have a lot more freedom with the type of rocks you use. Freshwater rocks can serve as good colonies for bacteria and provide your fish with food sources. They can also add to the overall aesthetic of a tank and provide excellent hiding and resting places for fish.
Saltwater Aquarium Rocks
Marine and saltwater aquariums need a lot more maintenance than freshwater tanks and therefore choosing the right rock is very important. Saltwater rocks can serve as the main filtration process in the aquarium and can also contain a host of beneficial bacteria, which can serve as food to the fish.
Of course, in both types of tanks you can also use artificial rocks. These rocks serve only really as a visual aid to a fish tank and do not have the same benefits when it comes to bacteria as live rocks do. However, artificial rocks are very easy to place in the tank, don’t require maintenance at all and can still provide hiding spaces and a natural home for your fish.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Aquarium Rock
There are a few things you should take into consideration before you purchase the best aquarium rock to make sure you get the right kind for your tank.
Size
First and foremost, you’ll need to consider the size of the rocks in relation to your tank. Normally, rocks come in packs of different sizes and so you can place them around your tank, adding character and places for your small and large fish to hide and rest.
The main thing to remember is to not to overfill your tank with rocks and aquarium decor. Your fish need a lot of space to swim around, and won’t like being cramped in with lots of rocks and plants.
Color
The color of the rocks you choose will ultimately help how your tank looks when it is completely decorated. If you want a natural looking tank, you can go for natural colored artificial rocks or live rocks. If you want something a little more out there that grabs your attention, you could go for neon colored rocks!
You should also avoid live rocks that have black algae or a slimy texture, as this can indicate dead organisms that can contaminate the tank.
Hiding Spots
One of the main benefits of rocks is the hiding spots they give your aquarium fish. These hiding spots can also serve as resting spots, which some fish, such as cichlids, will really appreciate. Aquarium plants are also useful for providing hiding spots.
Treated/Non-Toxic
You want to make sure that the rocks you choose are treated and completely non-toxic so they don’t contaminate the water and harm your fish. You should always be wary of rocks that smell funny and always check the materials before you buy.
Budget
Some rocks can be expensive, while others can be fairly cheap. This is just something to keep in mind before buying, otherwise you could end up spending more than you wanted to! The best aquarium rock for you in not necessarily the most expensive!
The Best Aquarium Rock Reviews
1) Small World Slate & Stone Store Large Natural Slate
These slate rocks from Small World Slate & Stone Store are 100% real slate sourced in the USA. Perfect for any type of aquarium, the slate is pH neutral and will not affect the water, making them 100% safe for your fish. These large slate pieces measure 5 to 7 inches long each and provide a wonderful decoration to many different tanks. The gray color is perfect for a natural looking habitat and will certainly make your fish feel at home. They can also be stacked and glued to form fish caves/caverns or benches/seats and broken to create different sizes.
Key Features:
- 100% real Slate stone
- Excellent for Aquascaping
- Beautiful for Bonsai
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) Texas Holey Rock Natural Limestone Aquarium Decor
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on aquarium decorations because there are rocks such as this one. Not only is it safe to use around all types of fish, but it has many benefits for your fish. Made from natural limestone, this rock will clean your tank and filter the water. As this is a natural process, you don’t need to do anything special to take advantage of those benefits.
It comes in soft and natural colors that range from gray to light brown. As this is a natural rock, there is no guarantee that you’ll receive a specific color. Many fish owners like that the rock has so many crevices and caves inside it. These are natural formations that fish also love. They can run around and hide in those crevices as they play with other fish, but the limestone also gives them safe places to sleep.
Key Features:
- It comes in soft and natural colors
- Provides Nutrients Essential for Healthy Fish
- Raises and Stabilizes Aquarium Water
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) Lifegard Aquatics Dragon Rock
This Dragon rock from Lifegard Aquatics is a unique and interesting rock that certainly stands out in a tank. In this pack you will receive approximately two large pieces of rock and four smaller pieces of rock, perfect for arranging in any way you like and adding some character to your tank. The color is completely natural and adds to a natural looking habitat, too. Again, it is recommended that you wash this rock before adding it to your tank, especially to prevent the pH of your water from being raised.
Key Features:
- 10 gallon kit
- 2-medium/4-small rocks
- 1-Lg/2-Med/6-Small rocks
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) Natural Slate Stone Rocks for Fish Tanks
Whether you just bought your first fish tank or want to change the design of an existing aquarium, you’ll like using this natural stone. Unlike similar products made from fake rocks that can release chemicals into the water, these rocks use natural stone that is safe for fish and other marine animals. You get five pounds of rocks in each package, with the rocks ranging in size from three to five inches. You can scatter the rocks around the bottom of your aquarium or arrange them in different ways with plants to give your fish places to hide and play.
Key Features:
- 100% real Slate stone
- Perfect for creating walkways
- Excellent for Aquascaping aquariums
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) Carib Sea South Seas Base Rock
This South Seas Base rock from Carib Sea is great for marine, reef and cichlid tanks. The unique shape of this rock is formed by the erosion and pitting of limestone over the course of eons, providing a fun and interesting display to your tank that also gives your fish space to hide and rest. Completely clean and safe, you can be sure this rock will not harm your fish and it is designed to keep the pH level. The colors also help provide a natural looking environment for your fish and add to the aesthetic of your tank.
Key Features:
- Safe for all marine
- Durable natural Rock
- Calcium Carbonate rock
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) Caribsea Life Rock
Natural rock is a great addition to any aquarium, and one of the best that you can buy is this one. It has 50% void space to give you more bang for your money. The void space provides spots for your fish to play and hide or sleep. Take from the South Seas, this rock has a fun design that features brilliant colors such as pale purple and gold. You can easily set it in your tank without worrying that it might release chemicals or other substances that can harm your fish. It’s also safe to use in any aquarium that uses freshwater.
Key Features:
- Durable natural rock
- T is clean and safe for marine
- Unprecedented 50% void space
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) Small World Slate & Stone Store Small Natural Slate
More slate from Small World Slate & Stone Store, this natural slate stone is 100% genuine and also sourced in the USA. These slate pieces are smaller, measuring 1 to 3 inches long and are therefore great for smaller tanks. They are still pH neutral which means they are great for any type of aquarium and will not harm your fish. The color of this genuine slate keeps the tank looking natural and provides an excellent decoration for your fish habitat. You can also glue these slate pieces together to create a centerpiece or archway in the tank.
Key Features:
- Natural Slate
- Perfect For Creating Walkways
- Stones Are A Natural Grey Slate
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) Universal Rocks Aquarium Background
When setting up your aquarium for the first time or looking for ways to add some decorative elements, consider this background. Designed to look like real rocks, it measures 48-inches by 20-inches and fits in most large tanks. The background is more flexible than other designs are and allows you to cut it down to use it in a smaller aquarium. You simply need to break the background along the lines of the piece. It comes in a rich brown color and has plenty of hiding spots for your fish. You just need a few clips to secure it to the back of your tank.
Key Features:
- Product is flexible
- Easy to install
- Realistic rock replication
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) Carib Sea Aquatics Life Rock Display Box
Another rock from Carib Sea, this rock display box is an aragonite based live rock substitute that is infused with live bacteria and made to look like the coralline laden live rock. It contains no cement or decaying material and therefore requires no curing prior to use and is safe for all fish. The arched shape design gives your fish areas to swim through and rest within, keeping them happy and stress-free.
The shape also means this rock is a great centerpiece for your tank and the colors are that of actual live rock, making it perfect for a natural looking tank with a splash of color. Even better, this small 20 lb rock fits into a number of aquarium sizes, too.
Key Features:
- Unprecedented 50% void space
- Natural weathering processes
- T is clean and safe for marine
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10) Aquarium Supplies Cichlid Stone Aquarium Rock Cave Decor
This artificial rock from Aquarium Supplies provides a natural like shelter for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. Made of 100% ceramic material, this rock decoration is completely safe for your fish and looks almost identical to a real rock — no one would know the difference! Measuring 4.6” tall, this rock provides a lightweight and natural looking alternative and adds an interesting piece to your tank. It is also perfect to be used as a breeding ground for fish and as a hideaway for bottom dwellers and does not require any maintenance.
Key Features:
- Provides natural like shelter
- Great for bottom dwellers
- Perfect for breeding
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
11) Penn-Plax Reptology Shale Step Ledge
Another artificial rock, this step ledge from Penn-Plax is perfect for reptiles, small fish and other aquatic pets, providing them with a place to hide and swim through. Made of non-toxic poly-resin material, this artificial rock is completely safe to have in your tank and works in both saltwater and freshwater aquariums.
The design very closely mimics natural rocks and therefore it makes a great piece in any tank, without standing out too much and still keeping the habitat looking natural. This decorative rock is available in three different sizes based on the size of your tank and the size of your fish.
Key Features:
- Perfect for reptiles
- Realistic rock formation
- Beautiful hand painted details
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
12) BCQLI Sphere Bio-Filter Media Red Volcanic Rock
This natural and organic red volcanic rock from BCQLI has many benefits when placed in your fish tank. Not only does this rock look visually pleasing and really stands out while still keeping the aesthetic natural, it also helps to stabilize water quality, absorb harmful bacteria with it’s porosity and promote metabolism within your fish. In this 400g bundle, you will receive different sized pieces of volcanic rock that can be placed around your tank for both visual effect and to ensure that your fish have enough room to move.
Key Features:
- Natural volcanic rock
- Ornamental fish essential filter
- The surface covered with pores
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
13) 2 Piece Aquarium Stacking Rock Cave
Do you have an aquarium filled with fish that love to play but are tired of spending a lot of money on decorations for them? With this set, you provide your fish with a fun and safe place to play and spawn. Made from a type of natural sand that is fine, the pieces have smooth edges that won’t injure your fish. It is safe for both snapper and whistle along with other small types of fish.
When used in a tank, the sand will purify the water and clean it, and it will keep doing this for years. The set comes with both a large rock that sits on the bottom and a small rock that sits on the top. Both rocks have built-in holes that form fish caves. Fish will love the privacy that those caves offer as well as the fun they can have.
Key Features:
- Safe material
- Made of natural, fine and tiny compressed sand
- Easy to stack
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
14) Lifegard Aquatics Smoky Mountain Stone
This Smoky Mountain Stone kit from Lifegard Aquatics allows you to create a magnificent arrangement of rocks in your aquarium. These all-natural rocks look like miniature rock formations and, with two medium sized rocks and three small rocks included, you can place them around your tank and create a natural environment for your fish, including areas for them to swim through and hide. Some fish owners have reported that these rocks altered the pH of their tank so this is something to watch out for, yet they are completely safe for your fish to be around.
Key Features:
- Aquascaping Seiryu Stone
- For 25 gallon Aquariums
- Includes 2-medium/3-small rocks
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Best Aquarium Rock FAQ’s
Can I use rocks I find outside in my aquarium?
Generally, using rocks you find outside in your aquarium is advised against. This is because the rocks outside have not been treated and can therefore sometimes contain micorogranisms that could harm your fish. They can also contain calcium which can alter the pH of aquarium water. It is for this reason that you should buy rocks specially designed for aquariums.
Are there different types of rocks for saltwater and freshwater aquariums?
Saltwater and freshwater aquariums are different and therefore have different requirements. Just like some fish can’t live in freshwater and saltwater and others can only live in freshwater, the same goes for rocks. The wrong type of rock in the wrong water can also affect the water, which can then harm your fish. You should always check the rocks you use are suitable for the type of aquarium you have.
Rocks for saltwater aquariums include Fiji Rock, Pukani Rock, Aquacultured Live Rock, Dry Rock and Tonga Branch Rock. Rocks for freshwater aquariums include Slate, Lava Rock, Petrified Wood, Mountain Stone and Quartzite.
Summary
As you can see, there are many different benefits to having rock in your aquarium. Not only can rocks make your tank look pretty and build an eye-catching display, they also provide beneficial bacteria for your fish, as well as providing hiding and resting places. They help to create a natural habitat for your fish too, mimicking how they would live in the wild. Whether you have a freshwater tank or a saltwater tank, there is a best aquarium rock out there for your fish.
Check out our other Fish Tank, Food & Accessories posts here:
- Best 20 Gallon Fish Tanks Guide
- Best 5 Gallon Fish Tanks Guide
- Best Aquarium Thermometer Guide
- Best Aquarium Vacuums Guide
- Best Aquarium Gravel Cleaners Guide
- Best Water Conditioner For Fish Tank Guide
- Best Aquarium Plants Guide
- Best Fish Tank Decorations Guide
- Best Fish Tank Gravel Guide
- Best Aquarium Sand Guide
- Best Goldfish Food Guide