Using rocks from a creek

[majortank]

So I have a park with a creek next to my building... I was hiking this morning and thought "hey, why not save money on rocks and take some from the creek!". So, i grabbed some good ones. What do i need to do to make sure thy are safe for my tank? bleech?


thanks

 

[Xythadar]

Personally I wouldn't bleach. I'd wash them in some hydrogen peroxide and then boil them and let them cool off.

Though just boiling them could work as well, I think.

 

[jpappy789]

I would boil 'em, bleach 'em, scrub 'em down. Whatever it takes. Do you know what kind of rocks they are because some mess with the water chemistry...I believe if they react with vinegar they are a no-go, or is it the other way around? Gah, I forget...

 

[msjinkzd]

I don't boil rocks as its possible that they could explode, remote chance but it is possible. I would scrub them with a nail brush thoroughly and soak them. Do you know what kind of rocks they are? Some rocks can increase ph or hardness.

edit: the vinegar test is to determine which should no go in the tank. If it bubbles, its not usually a good choice.

 

[majortank]

hmm. i have no idea what kind of rocks they are... would pics help? im boiling them now... dont have vinegar or bleach though but i'll go pick some up.

 

[majortank]

rocks blow up?!?! i think i'll stop boiling them LOL

 

[Lupin]

I don't boil rocks as its possible that they could explode, remote chance but it is possible. I would scrub them with a nail brush thoroughly and soak them. Do you know what kind of rocks they are? Some rocks can increase ph or hardness.

edit: the vinegar test is to determine which should no go in the tank. If it bubbles, its not usually a good choice.

:iagree:

rocks blow up?!?! i think i'll stop boiling them LOL

There is always a chance.

 

[Xythadar]

If you cover with a lid you should be fine if they explode. I'm sure the only ones that explode are the ones that have a pocket of air in them, and that has to be rare!

 

[jameshilljr]

wow boiling the rocks could cause them to explode? I know throwing river rocks in a fire would make 'em explode (I thought that the water or air molecules in the rock expands quickly enough when heated that they explode-maybe I'm wrong:silly:

Oh well, I boiled rocks I have and soaked them.

 

[jm1212]

If you cover with a lid you should be fine if they explode. I'm sure the only ones that explode are the ones that have a pocket of air in them, and that has to be rare!

you won't be fine if a rock explodes and you just put the lid on. solid rock going as fast as a bullet will cut through the metal like a knife through peanut butter.