Rocks

[SouthernRebel]

Ok I got my rocks out of a ditch the other day for my mbuna tank. Some of the rocks have concrete on them, is that ok. Also what if there are some dirt left on them that won't come off or some green stuff. Is this ok. Also I used a pressure washer to wash them.

 

[BigIan]

The concreete will leach lime and raise the alcaline level of your tank,

the green stuff and dirt could well be harbouring various bacteria that could be harmful to your tank.

I`d stick to real aquaium rock if i were you

 

[guppy_man]

im not sure but i can remember someone telling me that some rocks are not suitable for aquariums, the way to tell this is to pour some vinegar on the rock, and if it fizz's dont use the rock, and if there is no fizz you can use it. BUT a big BUT that does not mean the rock is safe, because the rock might have chemicals iniside it that could harm or even kill your fish, so your best bet would be to buy new rocks from the pet store

 

[SouthernRebel]

I can't just go buy rock. There are no rocks around here to buy. Trust me I have checked.

 

[Tolak]

Check out landscaping outfits. It's where your lfs gets rock, cleans them up, and sells them for 10 times what they paid for them.

 

[SouthernRebel]

You don't understand. I don't have a LFS. My local landscaping place has no rocks that I want. When I said I checked, I really checked....

 

[SouthernRebel]

When it rains water goes through it. But that's it. I pressure washed it and scrubbed it a lot.

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. If you are fairly certain what type of rock it is and are satisfied that the type of rock won't leach anything that is harmful to the fish into the water, then i say boil it, scrub it, or soak it in bleach and water, or a combination of all those methods, and then put it in the tank. All rocks come from somewhere, and they all come from outside. Just make sure you know the rock type is safe, then clean it well.