View Full Version : Using Creek Rock
bassman
09-07-2004, 7:28 PM
This is probably a simple question, but I want to be careful. I went fishing a couple days ago a picked up some creek rock for my tank. (55 gal) What is the best way to disinfect it before I put it in my tank. And also when I do disinfect it, should I soak it in water b4 I put it into my tank. Thanks!
Stephen
09-07-2004, 7:55 PM
Bassman
I use local rock and gravel in my tank(s) and I really don't do anything to it except rinse it. I haven't hade a problem so far. However, 99% of the rock and gravel I get comes from the mountains around here and the waters there are almost pristine. If you're concerned though try boiling it and rinsing it very well. You could even go as far as to scrubbing it with a brush and water.
There's also a method of submerging it in vinegar or muratic acid to check to see if it's going to alter your water chemistry any. I'm unsure of the exact process however, I'm sure someone will be able to provide more details about that.
Hope this helped...
SomeGuy88
09-07-2004, 8:08 PM
All I do for any rocks I find is put them in a big pot and boil them for a couple minutes. Never had any problems at all with just doing that.
-Dan
ArkyLady
09-07-2004, 8:29 PM
If they are too big for a pot to boil them, you can also put them in the oven.
bassman
09-07-2004, 8:52 PM
I appreciate all of your input. I will go ahead and boil them. Someone told me to put bleach on them, and I really didnt think that was wise. These came from a very clean creek in central KY. I didnt figure that I had to do much to them. Thanks!
daveedka
09-07-2004, 9:11 PM
I appreciate all of your input. I will go ahead and boil them. Someone told me to put bleach on them, and I really didnt think that was wise. These came from a very clean creek in central KY. I didnt figure that I had to do much to them. Thanks!
I was just going to add that bleaching is a good option as well, I've never had bleach hurt the color of the rocks, and it will almost suredly kill anything living on them.Boiling also works, but isn't as easy as the bleach. Remeber that the biggest concern is pathogens and other organic life, and these can live in really clean creeks quite well.
dave
I have a large piece of limestone from a local river in my African cichlid tank, I simply immersed it in scalding city water for two hours, then rinsed it with room temp water until it was cooled down. I never had a problem with it.