Rocks And Pebbles.....

[merlecollins]

Hi all,

I am currently running a fish-in cycle and have received some invaluable help here

What I was wondering is, if I want to put some rocks and pebbles into my tank, what do I need to do to make them harmless to the fish, i.e. cleaning the rocks, pebbles, etc...

I live on Orkney and therefore have unlimited access to some beautiful beaches where there are some fantastic rocks, etc.... But obviously these have come from sea saltwater

 

[Always Learning]

Clean and rinse them the best you can, with just water. I myself boil them if they're small enough, or pour boiling water over them whilst they're in a basin, but some people advise against this ssaying the rocks can explode!

 

[Ben M]

i scrubbed mine thoroughly with a pan scourer, then soaked for a few days, then scrubbed again. not sure if the soaking is necessary though. i would advise against boiling as it is rather dangerous.

cheers

 

[waterdrop]

I used to know a fellow who was the doctor for the Orkneys for many years! agree with above advice to be careful with cleaning and don't boil rocks. Plenty of rocks from the beaches can work, you eventually get good a which ones to be suspicious of. The most important test is the "vinegar" test. You just put some household vinegar (of any type) on the rock for a while and see if you get any fizzing. The fizzing would indicate CaCO3 or similar substances (what all shells, coral and limestone(?) are made of.. white, chalky etc. are tipoffs) and would raise your hardness and pH, which should only be done if its something you are planning and even then is a difficult decision. Most of the time you'll find you are fine!

~~waterdrop~~

 

[raptorrex]

i dont see any problem pouring, near, boiling water, over rocks. though it may split some slates. boiling rocks is flirting with, potential, disaster though.

as for the acid test? well, being careful is fine. but unless you have an acidic tank. there is little, to no, chance of iron oxide being absorbed by stock. it may still make your water, discoloured, but little more. Iron oxide is inert, in 7+ ph, and not available for uptake by tank inhabitants. mind you, it would need to be a spectacular looking rock, for me to bother though.

 

[MikeO]

I put mine into buckets and fill with water from the kettle then leave them for 24hrs, followed by a good scrub.