Aquarium safe stones???

kamla

The Algae Grower
Feb 8, 2005
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NJ
Aquarium safe stones???

I just picked up some kool looking stones on the side of the highway.
I now there is some sort of test we can do to make sure these stones are aquarium safe.

Please educate me, so I test and if they are safe put them in my tank.J
 
Depends on what you mean by safe. You will want to determine if the rocks will alter water parameters--best bet is to soak the rocks in a tub of tested water, wait a week, test the water again. You can use vinegar (weak acid) to see if the rocks will alter pH, but I prefer the soaking method to be sure.

However--depending on the roadside--you'll want to clean them very, very well, and even then you might be risking adding a toxin--roadsides are frequently sprayed with pesticides and herbicides, and get all the runoff and nastiness from the road--oils, greases, rubber, etc. If this is a porous rock, I wouldn't use it, but if it's something like granite, a good cleaning should remove everything from the exterior.
 
By safe I meant it does not change the water params too much..
The rocks are Granite for sure…
About the acid test, if it bubbles then it will alter the ph right..

Thax for ur help
 
i wouldnt do it if trhey were by the highway, could have tar or oils or other toxins like oriongirl was saying- pesticides and who knows what else. JMO, a good boiling and a soak in bleach dilution may work best for the cleaning. good luck!
 
if it bubbles with vinegar / acid it is going to change your water perams. Calciferous rocks (bubblers!) will increase yr carbonate hardness or KH

There is a lot more to this than I can competantly explain but I am sure HappyChem will notice this thread as he advised me!

Cheers
Chaz
 
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