Adding A Rock To The Aquarium...

[wklose99]

So I found this sweet rock hiking, and I want to put it in the aquarium. I don't want it to mess up the water PH and stuff though, so is there any way to tell if it will? I remember reading something about putting it in vinegar and seeing if something happens, but I dunno if thats legit or not. Any advice(other than buying a water test kit).

Thanks, -WK

 

[celaeno]

you can use vinegar or a stronger acid. api nitrate test bottle #1 contains HCl.

apply a few drops on various parts of the rock. if there's fizzing, it either means the rock is porous or chemically reactive (will raise the pH).

submerge it in a bucket of water after washing the acid off. if there's bubbles coming out, then it's porous and possibly chemically reactive. if there's no bubbles, then the rock is definitely chemically reactive.

 

[TammyLiz]

api nitrate test bottle #1 contains HCl.

That is the kind of information I read forums for. I have that in my cabinet and I'm always going "I wish I had a stronger acid around" when I use vinegar to test a rock.

From now on I'll use that nitrate test. Thanks!