Can I Use These In My Tank?

[TheMerovingian]

Can I use these gems in my tank?

The small gems are all polished and basicaly the same as the larger ones you can buy.

 

[Axleuk]

Pour some white vinegar on them, if they fizz its a no no, it they dont fizz then they are ok to use. As they are small gems, they should be fine but make sure they are fully cleaned.

 

[gemzie78]

i wouldnt put the sharp ones in just in case ure fish scrape against them but tghhat might just be me.

 

[TheMerovingian]

thanks guys

 

[TheMerovingian]

ok, i have some malt vinegar, the white not the brown stuff and i'll see what happens

 

[maximinimus]

The ones in the top picture are a definate no no, I remember seeing a pinned thread a few weeks ago that said geodes and other crystals can leach toxins into the tank.

IMO the vinegar test is not going to work on any of these stones as they are semi-precious stones and minerals rather than ordinary stones.

I will keep looking for the thread for you, but I wouldn't use any of those until you can confirm what they are.

Edit: found topic:

http/www.fishforums.net/content/forum/55...n-The-Aquarium/

 

[TheMerovingian]

ah ok
I did the vinegar thing and nothign happened. now the flat smells like a chip shop for nothing
i just thought they would be ok because they are polished ( the small ones )
I just thought it would make the tank look abit more colourful. But i was thinking for useing different coloured gravel so it will be colourful enough i guess

 

[maximinimus]

You could get some glass pebbles to add some colour, do a search on fleaBay for frosted glass pebbles

 

[TheMerovingian]

cool, i have been looking at pebbles and making caves for the fish out of them

 

[TheMerovingian]

you can but stones just like these from fish websitesa and stuff.
If i give them a good clean why cant i use these?



( i know the ones in the top picture are out but i mean the second pic, with the small ones )

 

[maximinimus]

Unless you know exactly what they are and find out they can safely be used then you shouldn't use them as some crystals and stones leach chemicals into your tank.

If they are "dangerous" gems, being polished doesn't mean that they wont leach chemicals, polishing just leaves less reaction surfaces.

When you see coloured stones suitable for an aquarium being sold they are usually normal stones that have been artificially coloured and sealed, they are not usually natural gems and semi-precious stones.

 

[TheMerovingian]

ah ok,
IF i out them in my tank when i am doing my cycle, if they are harmful will it show in the tests for ammonia and nitrite etc..?

 

[maximinimus]

I would say not, if they leach anything it will likely be compounds like Manganese or Sulphates that are harmful and wont show up in any tests