Product Safety & Material

  • What are Aquaroche ceramic rocks made of?

    Aquaroche rocks are made from natural, high-temperature fired ceramic clay. They are chemically inert, non-toxic, and safe for all freshwater and marine aquariums.

  • Are Aquaroche® rocks safe for aquariums?

    Yes. Aquaroche® rocks are made from highly fired ceramic (1300°C) and are completely chemically neutral.

    They can be safely used in:

    • Freshwater tanks
    • Cichlid tanks
    • Saltwater aquariums
    • Reef aquariums

  • Do Aquaroche rocks affect pH, KH, or water chemistry?

    No. The ceramic material is neutral and does not alter aquarium water parameters, making it suitable for both freshwater and marine systems.

  • Are Aquaroche rocks porous?

    Yes. Each piece is designed with micro- and macro-porosity to encourage biological filtration and provide shelter for microorganisms and small aquatic life.

  • How long do ceramic rocks last in an aquarium?

    Aquaroche rocks are extremely durable and do not decompose, dissolve, or break down over time. They can be used many years (indefinitely).

  • Are Aquaroche® rocks real live rock?

    Aquaroche® rocks are not natural live rock, but they function similarly.

    Their highly porous structure allows beneficial bacteria and microorganisms to grow, helping create a natural biological filtration system.

    They are considered a sustainable alternative to live rock.

Usage & Installation

  • Do I need to rinse Aquaroche rocks before placing them in the tank?

    A quick rinse with clean water is recommended to remove dust from the manufacturing process. No chemicals or treatments are necessary.

  • How should I arrange Aquaroche rocks for stability?

    Use the natural shapes, flat bases, arches, pillars, and plates to create a stable structure. Ensure weight is evenly distributed and avoid placing heavy items on unstable points.

  • Can I drill, cut, or modify Aquaroche rocks?

    Yes. Ceramic can be drilled or cut with appropriate tools. Proceed slowly and carefully to avoid cracking.

  • Are Aquaroche rocks compatible with live rock?

    Yes. Many aquarists combine Aquaroche with natural live rock to seed beneficial bacteria while creating a stable, customizable aquascape.

  • Do Aquaroche rocks float?

    No. They are dense and naturally sink immediately.

  • Can I glue Aquaroche® rocks together?

    Yes. You can use aquarium-safe silicone to glue rocks together or fix broken pieces.

    For structures higher than 15.8 inch (40 cm), additional support is recommended.

  • Can I use Aquaroche® rocks in a new aquarium?

    Yes. Aquaroche rocks can help speed up the cycling process, especially if they already contain beneficial bacteria.

  • Do you offer custom aquarium designs?

    Yes. For large aquariums or special projects, we can create custom designs based on your tank size and layout.

    To request a custom quote fill out the request form

    Custom Designs Quote 

Cycling & Water Quality

  • Do Aquaroche ceramic rocks require cycling?

    The rocks themselves do not need cycling, but your aquarium system must be cycled before adding livestock.

  • How long does cycling take with Aquaroche rocks?

    Similar to traditional rock setups—typically 2–6 weeks depending on your biological starter media, tank size, and filtration.

  • How can I speed up the cycling process?

    You may use:

    • bottled beneficial bacteria
    • live rock or live sand
    • bacterial starters from an established aquarium
    • proper water flow and oxygenation

  • Will Aquaroche rocks host beneficial bacteria?

    Yes. Their porous structure is designed to encourage the growth of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, supporting healthy biological filtration.

  • Do Aquaroche rocks reduce nitrates or improve filtration?

    They provide additional surface area for bacterial colonization, which supports the nitrogen cycle and enhances biological stability.

Reef Tanks & Coral Compatibility

  • Are Aquaroche rocks suitable for SPS, LPS, and soft corals?

    Yes. The surface texture allows easy coral frag mounting and long-term stability for all coral types.

  • What is the Acroporock system used for?

    Acroporock is designed specifically for coral frags. It provides stable bases and elevated structures ideal for SPS and LPS propagation.

  • Can I glue coral frags onto Aquaroche rocks?

    Yes. Reef glue or epoxy adheres well to the ceramic surface.

  • Do Aquaroche structures support heavy overhangs or tall reef aquascapes?

    Yes. Arches, pillars, and Eco Reef Plates are engineered for modular stacking and stable load-bearing designs.

  • Do Aquaroche rocks encourage coralline algae growth?

    Yes. Their surface allows coralline algae to colonize naturally over time, giving the rocks a natural reef-like appearance.

  • Can I use Aquaroche® rocks in reef aquariums?

    Yes. Aquaroche products are widely used in reef aquariums and provide an excellent base for coral growth.

  • Can rocks be reused after medication (like copper)?

    If copper has been used in the aquarium, rocks may absorb it.

    ⚠️ In this case, they should only be used in fish-only tanks, not reef aquariums with corals or invertebrates.

Freshwater Tanks

  • Are Aquaroche rocks safe for planted tanks?

    Yes. They do not alter water chemistry and can be used in planted aquariums and nature-style layouts.

  • Are they appropriate for cichlid tanks?

    Absolutely. Cichlids benefit from the caves, hiding spaces, and territorial boundaries the rocks provide.

  • Can I use Aquaroche rocks in nano tanks?

    Yes. Smaller pieces and nano-specific models are available for compact aquariums.

  • Will ceramic rocks grow algae?

    Like any aquarium hardscape, algae may naturally grow depending on nutrients and lighting. It is normal and can be controlled with routine maintenance.

  • Can rocks be used in freshwater after saltwater use?

    If rocks have absorbed calcium from saltwater systems, they may not be suitable for freshwater aquariums.

Shipping, Cleaning & General Maintenance

  • How do I clean Aquaroche® rocks?

    Algae growth is natural and part of a healthy ecosystem.

    To maintain clean rocks:

    • Use algae-eating fish or snails
    • Control nutrients (especially phosphates)
    • Use filtration media if needed

    For deep cleaning, rocks can be soaked in diluted chlorine, rinsed thoroughly, and dried before reuse.

  • Can I bleach or acid-wash Aquaroche rocks?

    Avoid strong chemicals unless absolutely necessary. If used, rinse thoroughly and soak in dechlorinated water before reuse.

  • Are Aquaroche rocks fragile?

    They are highly durable, but like all ceramic products, they can break if dropped or struck hard.

  • Do the rocks come pre-seeded with bacteria?

    No. They are clean ceramic structures. Beneficial bacteria will develop naturally once placed in a cycled tank.

  • Do you offer custom aquascaping structures?

    Yes. Large-scale custom designs are available for public aquariums, coral farms, and specialty installations.

  • Where are Aquaroche products manufactured?

    All Aquaroche products are proudly made in France.

  • Why am I getting algae on my rocks?

    Excess nutrients (especially phosphates) can cause algae growth.

    Solutions include:

    • Using RO/DI water
    • Improving filtration
    • Reducing nutrient levels

  • How can I hide overflow boxes, pipes, or equipment?

    Aquaroche provides specially designed structures to hide equipment, including:

    • Grotto-style rocks
    • Semi-circle structures
    • Custom aquascaping solutions

  • Where can I get inspiration for my aquarium design?

    You can explore:

    • Aquascaping examples
    • Setup guides
    • Videos
      or contact us for personalized recommendations.
    Our YouTube Channel