Zebra Rock
Also sold as sera Rock Zebra Stone · Black and White Rock · Zebra Mountain Rock · Zebra Limestone Rock
Synonyms Zebra stone
Zebra Rock is an aquascaping rock sold by the piece, typically around 14 × 9 × 8 cm (5.5 × 3.5 × 3.1 in). In the water it raises KH and GH, does not tint the water, and sinks straight away.
At a glance
| Material | Rock |
|---|---|
| Raises hardness | KH and GH |
| Tannins | None |
| In the water | Sinks right away |
| Edges | Smooth |
| Prep | Rinse |
| Default size | 14 × 9 × 8 cm (5.5 × 3.5 × 3.1 in) |
Before it goes in
- Zebra Rock raises KH and GH, so it pushes the water harder and the pH up over time. In a soft-water tank — Chili Rasbora and Green Neon Tetra — use a little of it or leave it out.
- Before it goes in, rinse it.
- 4 different pieces of Zebra Rock are modelled, so the one you place looks like one you could actually pick out of the bin.
- A default piece is 14 × 9 × 8 cm (5.5 × 3.5 × 3.1 in); you can stretch it to whatever you bought.
Does it raise pH and hardness?
Yes — it raises KH and GH, and pH follows. You can check any piece yourself: a drop of vinegar on it fizzes if it is the kind that dissolves.
Do I need to prepare it?
Yes: rinse it before it goes in.
Will it tint the water?
No.
What it goes with
- Plants you can tie or glue straight onto it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Subwassertang, Anubias barteri and Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy'.
- Substrates that pull the other way and soften what it hardens: ADA Amazonia, Akadama and UNS Controsoil.
Often compared with
| Zebra Rock | Texas Holey Rock | Lava Rock | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raises | KH and GH | KH and GH | None |
| Tannins | None | None | None |
| In water | Sinks | Sinks | Sinks |
| Prep | Rinse | Rinse | Rinse |