Using Sand / Gravel / Wood From The Wild

[darklight]

Is it safe to use sand / gravel and maybe wood, collected from freshwater rivers in the wild, in my tropical freshwater setup?

Anything I should look out for / avoid?

 

[Biulu]

I would boil everything (or put it in the oven) to avoid introducing any possible hitchhikers or diseases.

 

[Katty]

Another thing you can do is pour a little vinegar (or diluted hydrochloric acid if you have it and are careful) onto a small sample of the sand. If it starts to fizz, it's not a good idea to use it because it can mess with your pH.

I would boil any sand or wood you collect for as long as you can. DO NOT boil large rocks, they can explode.