I have these old rocks I got from the beaches in Italy when I was a kid that I'd like to put in my FW tank. These rocks have been sitting for over 20 years. My dad used to have them in his FW tank but he remembers his fish dying so he took them out. They have been sitting in his empty tank all this time. I liked to put these rocks in as a top layer over some other gravel. Anyone see any problems with this? Whats the best cleaning method to use for these? I should say that I'm just starting off my tank beginning the cycling process with no fish yet. Thanks for the help.
Satlwater Rocks in a Freashwater Tank?
- Thread starter joeshmoe
- Start date
Hmmm... it's possible that they are leeching toxic minerals into the aquarium. That's probably why your dad's fish died. I've suffered the same tragedy myself. The safest and easiest way to avoid any casualties when using random rocks with unknown mineral contents is to coat them in a clear, aquarium-safe waterproof sealant. It'll save you a lot of hassle in the long run, considering these rocks have shown the potential to be dangerous in fish tanks!!
The are just large pebbles that are on the beaches there. They have rocks instead sand on their beaches.
Do you recommend any sealant that you've used? It wouldn't be the same sealant they have at the hardware store right? I think that is a good route to take.Would my LFS have sealant like that? Also, prior to apply a sealant, what cleaning method would anyone recommend to kill off any potential toxins.
Do you recommend any sealant that you've used? It wouldn't be the same sealant they have at the hardware store right? I think that is a good route to take.Would my LFS have sealant like that? Also, prior to apply a sealant, what cleaning method would anyone recommend to kill off any potential toxins.
I would boil them and then maybe I would trust them, but if they were killing fish perhaps it's part of the nature of the stone that leeches somthing into the water. I would be careful