Lake Rocks In Tank?

[SharkToothSalmon]

Hi there. I'm new to this. I have a 10 Gallon tank that we are pretty excited about. I'm wondering if I can put some rocks that I've found and collected over time around lakes and in rivers and such safely in our tank? Also, how about things like Quartz Crystals?

Thank you for your time!

T.

 

[evilchild]

Hi ya, as long as you give them a very good wash and soak they should be fine I think. Try to avoid rocks like sand stone or any thing which is pourus as this can contaminate your tank to some degree if I’m not mistaken. If you plan on using bog wood or drift wood you will need to soak these for quite some time or they will float or turn your water brown? I hope that helps a little?

 

[The-Wolf]

click the rock link in my sig for a guide to which rocks to avoid

 

[FiSh123FiSh]

do the viniger test

 

[roseK]

i used rocks from rivers for my turtle tank, and it seems to do fine, all i did was give them a good wash and wall-e loves them =)

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Just avoid rocks which are sandstone or limestone and rocks which have metal ore/rust in them etc as these sorts of rocks can change the ph in the tank. Always thoroughly clean any new decor you get before you put it in your tank.

 

[LukeFishwalker]

do the viniger test

Whats the vinegar test?

 

[evilchild]

put white vinegar (or acid) on the rock if it's a lime stone type rock it will fizz. there fore don't use it. well along them lines any way?

 

[LukeFishwalker]

put white vinegar (or acid) on the rock if it's a lime stone type rock it will fizz. there fore don't use it. well along them lines any way?

ah ha! I knew I should payed more attention in Chem class!

 

[JamieBailie]

I just boil them in a big pot for 10 minutes. This also gets them really clean

 

[evilchild]

or stick them in the oven if there to big to boil. watch out rocks hold heat in very well and stay hot for long time?

 

[Lynda B]

I do the vinegar test, then soak in hot water with bleach, then rinse many times and place in tank.

Wolf's link is extremely helpful.

 

[SharkToothSalmon]

click the rock link in my sig for a guide to which rocks to avoid

Thank The-Wolf! You rock... I appreciate that list. I have many little tumbled stones that would work well. I have a Baby Angel fish in there right now and she keeps trying to get into the little rock crevices of the wallpaper on the back of the tank!! I also have a little striped irredecent Shark. I hope this will work out. The Pet Store said it should be just fine.

or stick them in the oven if there to big to boil. watch out rocks hold heat in very well and stay hot for long time?

The only thing I would worry about putting them in the oven is that rocks have been known to really dislike this method and explode... But, perhaps they need to be heated much more then an oven could do and cooled down very quickly. Not sure. But, thank you for your responses.. it's great.

Thank you everyone! I will post a picture sometime of how our new tank and beautiful fish look.

Tammy

 

[The-Wolf]

click the rock link in my sig for a guide to which rocks to avoid

Thank The-Wolf! You rock... I appreciate that list.

I had to chuckle at your choice of words