Help With Rocks

[Mr. Convict]

Hey everyone, just picked up like 80 lbs of rocks from some relatives and was wondering if they are safe for use in aquariums/turtle habitats.

(These are just 3 of the rocks)

Unwashed:

[Somewhat] Dry after washing and scrubbing:

It would be even better if anyone knew exactly what type of rocks these were I don't wanna put them in and find everything dead the next day..

Thanks in advance

 

[JenCliBee]

Looks just like slate by the pics!!! if it is give a good wash and it will be fine 2 put in tank


jen

 

[kj23502]

I'm concerned about the one w/all the brown color on them. Is that rust? It could have metal compounds in it and that'd be bad to leach into your tank. Certain components could poison your fish over time. It also can cause algea problems.

 

[JenCliBee]

yeh i thought the same when i made some slate caves depsite all the scrubbing it wouldnt fully come off... but i have it in my tank with no ill effects so far would be interested in knowing wot other ppl's opinions are tho just incase but like i said as far as it goes touch wood i havent had any problems. maybe the declorinator would would move any metal compound if it was the case? not sure!!!!


jen

 

[kj23502]

All I know is what The Wolf told me and he told me to stay away from rocks that look rusty and ones that appear that they could have metals in them as that would cause problems.

I found some rocks and sent him a pm(I was told he's really good w/rock IDing) and he answered

Honestly, I would just pass on any rusty ones. Why take the chance? Surely there are others that look and appear better than them.

And the declorinator would only work instantly for the amount of water it was measured for (or there abouts), not when the rock leached the metals into the water over time.

 

[Mr. Convict]

So i can use the ones that don't have that rusty look to them? 'Cuz there are many that don't even have a slight bit of that coloring.

Thanks for the replies

 

[kj23502]

there's some tests you can do. I believe one of them is to pour vinegar on a spot on the rock that appears like it may have a metal spot on it and if it bubbles don't use it and if not it could be fine.

 

[dthoffsett]

there's some tests you can do. I believe one of them is to pour vinegar on a spot on the rock that appears like it may have a metal spot on it and if it bubbles don't use it and if not it could be fine.

The vinegar test isn't for metal, it's for calcium deposits (baking soda is calcium carbonate which is why the bubbling effect) and all that tells is whether or not the rock will affect your hardness/PH.

 

[kj23502]

oh ok. thanks dawn.

I like your quotes btw. they are hilarious.

 

[dthoffsett]

I like your quotes btw. they are hilarious.

Thanks. I get bored quickly so I like to change them up alot, I also prefer to keep things on the lighter side. I usually try to do holiday related, but the summer doesn't have too many.

 

[Mr. Convict]

So what should i do then?

It did bubble, but not alot, just a little bit of really tiny bubbles, it was hardly even noticable.

Are there any tests for metals?

 

[kj23502]

Dawn said the vinegar is for calcium and that will buffer your water, which is a good thing since cichlids from africa generally have hard water.

One thing I've heard about for metals is take a small magnet and see if it shows any magnetic pull toward the rock. That could probably work for some metals.

 

[dthoffsett]

I'd pm The Wolf and see what he thinks. I had some rock that had a rusty look in my tank for 3 years with no problems, but better safe than sorry.

 

[Soaup]

I have slate with a slightly rusty tint in my tank, i have had it in the tank for years now. I dont want to say that i have had no problems because i am now recovering from problems but it seems to be a bacterial infection and i wouldnt say the rock is to blame. Also i have 125 gallon tank so i believe and rock that may contain slight traces of metal would be just that a slight trace and not have a huge negative effect on the water chemistry. The rocks you have look very similar. I bought mine from Home Depot they were slate floor tiles, i just broke them up and made caves out of it. A very inexpensive way to accuire rocks. Not sure off hand about your situation but it seems that most people who say they have similar rocks have not expierienced any problems.