Stones From Local Rivers

[attibones]

I'm thinking about taking my pup out hardscape hunting this weekend. I need some stones and maybe pieces of wood.
 
How do you know which stones and wood pieces are definitely not safe for the aquarium? I plan on putting any potentials in a bucket and testing for any raise in pH, but how do I know if I've accidentally collected a piece of pine or a rock with something which could cause any potential issues?
 
Any tips at all would be appreciated, as I'm fairly clueless.
 
(Also, should this be in the planted section?

)

 

[coolie]

I wrote a really long reply about geology maps and it disappeared... arrrgh! . Have you done the vinegar test?

 

[attibones]

No. Do you just pour vinegar over a stone? What results should I anticipate? What sort of vinegar should I use?
 
I'm sorry your long post about geology maps disappeared. I wish it didn't. I'm sure it was all helpful stuff.

 

[Ryan10]

Just regular vinegar.  I fill a clear container and drop a rock at a time and look for bubbles.

 

[attibones]

I'm assuming bubbles are bad because that means the rock is porous which means there may be nasties trapped in the rocks?

 

[EllieJellyEllie]

Im not sure, but just put it in a bucket of vinegar and if it bubbles dont use it. Also, make sure you just put the rocks on a plastic sheet on the driveway (I used a tote lid) and pour boiling water over them to.avoid rock explosions. Dont want o boil them
 
Maybe you are right about the vinegar because you shouldnt boil rocks so they dont clean. Definitely something to look into

 

[Essjay]

Acid + carbonate, in the presence of water -> carbon dioxide.
Vinegar is dilute acetic acid. If the rock is limestone, or some other rock composed of calcium carbonate, the vinegar will react with it making bubbles of carbon dioxide. Carbonate rocks dissolve slowly in a fish tank increasing both pH and GH which is why you need to avoid them. Unless you want to raise your pH and GH of course.
 

 

[attibones]

Thanks, essjay! That was actually very helpful.

Any ideas on how to identify safe pieces of wood?