cleaning gravel

[mm_simb]

I wanted to use some gravel in a tank that has been outside for a couple of months, I think. It's just been laying on top of something but it's practically exposed to everything.
One thing though, I am not boiling them lol. My parents wouldn't really like me boiling them.
It is gravel that I bought from a LPS but since it's been outside so long I figure I should clean it.
All I'm doing right now is soaking it in really hot water. I also scrubbed it in hot water before soaking it to get rid of some of the dirt and grass. So any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[willtang3000]

I'd put the kettle on lol seriously it happened to me I went to get my old gravel for my new 20g and krikey invaded with mosquito larvae and loads of other you don't wanna no the water from the boiling kettle will kill them and any other bacteria and then give a good rinse with cold water and then its done

 

[mm_simb]

well then, I guess I'll do that when my parents are gone

 

[mm_simb]

Ok..so I boiled the rocks. Well, they're still in hot water. Are they suppose to smell like burning rocks because that's what they smell like? So I just cool them with dechlorinated water, right?

 

[Paul_MTS]

don't bother with dechlorinnator, any bacteria in the stones will be killed by the chlorine in the water. this will ehlp the process further.

 

[mm_simb]

Ok thanks. They're all done then

 

[Inchworm]

Hi mm_simb

Bacteria is only one of the things you need to be concerned about when you use rocks or anything else thats been outside. The other thing is chemical pollution and I don't think boiling will remove all of it.

If you live in an industrial area or an area of heavy traffic, where airborne pollution could have settled on the gravel, I would just throw it away to be on the safe side. If any oily residue appeared on the top of the water when you were washing it or boiling it, throw it out for sure.

You could easily replace it with play sand from Home Depot at less than $3 for a 50 pound bag.