Newbie On Stones

[tsuni]

Hi all, ive just started a new large tank. Total newbie. Was wondering ive read its ok to use stones that you have found providing they are scrubed clean for tank decoration. Was wondering if this was true? I am aware i have to be careful to find rocks that do not contain toxins. So was going to head down to the beach and collect some interesting stones get them cleaned up etc then start my cycle. Is this going to work or am i wasting my time? cheers for any help!

Andy.

 

[famous]

give them a good clean (dont use any cleaning products though) perhaps put them in boiling water to kill everything.

also you need to make sure they wont dissolve slowly over time which could alter the water parameters. one test you can do is put some vinegar on them and if it fizzes or starts to dissolve then its not fish safe

 

[tsuni]

Ahh thats great thank you so much, This is perfect i live by one of the cleanest beaches in scotland with a great assortment of stones etc. Ill be down there tomorrow! can i also ask what about shells? there are a large amount of them on the shore also. Some are rather large. Cheers for your help famous!

Andy

 

[tsuni]

Ok just going to restart my thread, been to the beach and collected some granite and other stones, not marble or lime stone etc. What tests can be done to ensure the stone is ok? cheers,

Andy

 

[chrisbassist]

Step one. Vinegar. Pour it on. If it fizzes it's not safe.

Step two, put in water, test ph over a week or so, if it changes, not safe.

 

[tsuni]

thats great thanks! its mainly granite ive collected but il just go check anything else i should look for? There all weathered and rounded and look rather nice.

 

[chrisbassist]

Once you've established they won't alter ph, give them a clean, and if possible boil or use boiling water. Just to be sure there are no diseases waiting for your fish.

 

[Fantail_John]

Ok just going to restart my thread, been to the beach and collected some granite and other stones, not marble or lime stone etc. What tests can be done to ensure the stone is ok? cheers,

Andy

Some advice if your in England, as I don't know about other countries. Be aware that's it's illegal to take anything on the shore line, rocks and sand etc. Just thought to let people know.

John

 

[ellena]

Are you sure? Around the heritage coastline in Dorset, visitors are openly encouraged to go fossil hunting, it's one of the main draws of the area.
In fact, what child has been to the beach and not come back with a shell or two?

 

[OldMan47]

Be very careful boiling stones. If there is any trapped moisture inside the stone, it will act like popcorn and try to have the water turn to steam. Since there is nowhere for the steam to go, the pressure ends up splitting the rock rather violently. If you are standing too close, the splitting of the stone can cause serious injury.

 

[Fantail_John]

Are you sure? Around the heritage coastline in Dorset, visitors are openly encouraged to go fossil hunting, it's one of the main draws of the area.
In fact, what child has been to the beach and not come back with a shell or two?

I know it's ok for the odd little pebbles or shells, and the odd one for a fish tank but better to ask your local authority local councile. As five years ago my uncle took some rocks for his garden pond and was fined. All depends where you are and live. If we had now law regarding taking items from the beaches there would be no coastline left as all the sand for cement, rock's for rock pools, the shops like BQ, homebase will hace a field day and local builders. But as i say be careful and it should be ok for the odd rock here and there As in my home town you can not go fossil hunting without asking first.

John