Natural Rocks

[Axleuk]

Hi Folks,

I hope you guys/gals will be able to assist me with a query i have.

I have aquired a 15 gallon tank. I have it setup with the gravel, filter and heater. I have put the water in and added some Tetrafin Water Safe as per recommended dosage.

I will be leaving it running for a few days to ensure it is upto tempreture (I will be hopefully running at a temp of 26 degrees).

I do not really want to purchase rocks if i can help it, so i went down the local river and collected some nice sized rocks.

My questions: Is it safe to use these rocks if i clean them with fresh water and give them a good scrub? If not, is there anything i can do to ensure they are safe to use.

Thanks in advance.

 

[minxfishy]

Hi and welcome to the site

Firstly, have a good read of the pinned topics in this section 'new to the hobby' on fishless cycling, as adding the water, turning on the filter will not cycle the tank ready for fish. Any questions after reading those topics, everyone will be happy to help you

If the rocks you have from the river are hard, solid rocks and non pourous then they should be fine, however, get some vinegar (white I believe) and pour some over them, if it fizzes, they are not safe, if it doesnt fizz, then no problem.

I use rocks from a stream and have never had a problem. Just make sure you give them a good scrub in some very hot (if not boiling) water to clean off any nasties they may have lurking on them.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yup do a vinegar test first, you only need to put a drop on, if it fizzes you can't use it. then thoroughly rinse the vinegar off and boil the rocks, stick them in a pan of boiling water and just leave them there for half an hr or so, it'll kill off any bacteria.

 

[Cubby]

I had never boiled rocks before I got a fish tank. I now have my own pot just for rocks.