Vinegar Test On Rocks?

[JohnRossDele]

Hi, how can i perform a vinegar test on a rock for my fish tank, i looked it up on google and it was really confusing to read, if someone could just explain it in its most simple form that would be great

thanks

 

[ellena]

Pour some vinegar onto the rock. If it fizzes, it contains carbonate. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it will make your water harder. Depends what sort of fish you want to keep.
Rocks that don't fizz are a safer bet though as they won't change the water chemistry at all

 

[Dogson]

I guess you saw my post! Basically all it is testing for is acidity! as Lime stone is acidic it shouldn't go in your tank. Basically when your poor Vinegar on a rock such as limestone it reacts. I've not done it myself but from all account I have heard If when you put vinegar on if it fizzes then don't use it, Simple!

Okay so the science wasn't quite right but the principles were there!

Okay so the science wasn't quite right but the principles were there!

 

[K-Holed]

Just a quick correction, Limestone is alkaline and the vinegar is acid. It's the action of neutralisation that causes the fizzing.

Kind regards

Jimi

 

[raptorrex]

Just a quick correction, Limestone is alkaline and the vinegar is acid.  It's the action of neutralisation that causes the fizzing.

Kind regards

Jimi

indeed so, and is, by no means, an indication that the rock can not be used. if you have red/rusty streaks in your rock, and they react to vinegar, then you question its use. apart from that, its just a neat() trick.