Slate, Can I Use It?

[mr.g]

I have some slate and im wondering if I could add it to my tank. Its from B&Q and not a pet shop so im not sure if it will be safe, it has what looks like a rusty layer in the middle so I dont know if I can use it or not. If it is safe how would I go about cleaning it. I hav scrubbed it as best I can (using water, no detergents) and its now soakking in a bucket of water to which ive added tetra aquasafe.

 

[Ripley]

I have used slate lots of times from a river bed close to my house. All I do with it is boil it or let it soak in really really hot water for 24 hours. I have also used the slate with that rust looking strip going through it and have had no problems what so ever from it, so I say you'll be ok.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Some people disagree but when cleaning my drift wood I used a small amount of bleach after boiling. A drop of bleach will kill most of everything, but make sure rinse it very well after.

 

[The-Wolf]

if it has a rusty line in it, it containes iron ore and should not be used in an aquarium.
checkout the link to my rocks article in my sig for safe ones

 

[raptorrex]

Some people disagree but when cleaning my drift wood I used a small amount of bleach after boiling. A drop of bleach will kill most of everything, but make sure rinse it very well after.

Probably not a good idea, especially with a sedimentary rock, these can have crevices that the bleach can access!!!!!

if it has a rusty line in it, it containes iron ore and should not be used in an aquarium.
checkout the link to my rocks article in my sig for safe ones

Good advice

 

[InaneCathode]

Stupid question:
Dechlorinator would remove bleach, true or false? (small amounts)

 

[connorsbala]

CAn you buy special slate at you lfs?

 

[black angel]

Ive never heard of dechlorinator removing bleach.
As for slate you can get it from a merchants yard where you can buy paving.
I saw heaps of it at my local one and when I went back to buy some a fortnight later it was all gone
Luckily i found some in the garden.