Can I Take Things Right Out A Nature?

[stevenbob0]

I found this wood that was floating in a creek that would look really cool in my aquarium. Is it ok for me to put it in or will it kill my fish? What about rocks that i find?

 

[doresy]

Hi, unfortunately 'nature' ain't what it used to be. Anything taken from of modern nature will most certainly contain nasties introduced by years of river/sea abuse.

We strive to make our aquariums the perfect habitat for our fish while it seems others are doing the oposite for the natural habitats.

That said, it is not impossible to use this stuff.

Obviously if your tank is freshwater then the source of wood/rocks needs to be similar.

Precautions to take...... inspect for signs of eggs and larvea. Immerse in or pour over boiling water. Scrub in a solution of water/20% bleach, followed by copious rinsing. With rocks drip vinegar on them and watch for signs of fissing and do not use if it does.

Good luck

 

[Darkerwhite2]

As doresy said be very cafeful with what you pick, i have used wood found near my lake, but soaked it for weeks and boiled it twice.

 

[dthoffsett]

With rocks drip vinegar on them and watch for signs of fissing and do not use if it does.

Just thought I'd point out that the "fizz test" is used to exclude those rocks that contain calcium carbonate (think baking soda, which is why they fizz) which will raise your PH. It does not mean those rocks are bad for your tank, just not suitable unless you keep fish that prefer a high PH such as African Cichlids.


Great info doresy!