Sterilizing outside rocks for aquarium?

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ppetropulo

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Jun 14, 2012
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So, I've decided to go through with making a cave for my cockatoo cichlids out of rocks with hot glue as an adhesive, but before I begin the process, I'd like to know if any of you have suggestions for sterilizing the rocks. I'm using about Quarter sized river rocks from my backyard, and who knows whats been on them! So any suggestions or useful tips would be much appreciated!
 

Nepherael

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They say to use a 10% bleach solution, vinegar dip, or boil the heck out of them. I'd say bleach or boiling or both and just use prime on it after
 

MaiaDee

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Edit:

I don't know, but I was thinking about doing something similar. I was thinking scrub them with bleach, then rinse really water with water and then pouring declorinator or soaking them in it before putting them in the tank.

Would that work?



Opps, yep, guess that would work. :)
 

ppetropulo

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Ok, I'm thinking I'll probably do both. Bleach the "heck out of them", rinse for like half an hour, then boil for another half an hour. Hey, does anyone know if to much heat (boiling) will damage the rocks, or will they still be fine afterwards? oh, and thanks for the tips all who replied!
 

Nepherael

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You can boil em all day with no problems. Some people boil for hours because they're worried about bacteria. A half hour is sufficient though
 

fshfanatic

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I have done that and done nothing more than bast them with a hose. Bleech, boiling, etc I am not sure will have any effect on insecticides, etc. Hit them with pressurized water and maybe a fresh water soak.
 

ppetropulo

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I'm not terribly worried about insecticides, because I don't use them! We have a natural well, and chemicals from that and even conventionally grown gardens seeps into the soil and pollutes it. Just worried about animal feces and any diseases. Still, I will take your advice and blast them with water before boiling. Thanks!
 

Nepherael

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stephcps

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Some rocks will explode when boiled. I have always just soaked in bleach and then rinsed and then soaked in freshwater with dechlor. Then allowed them to dry out. Never had an issue.
 
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