Rocks

[RiVerfishgirl]

you cant boil rocks becasue any moisture trapped inside will expand putting it at risk for exploding

The only time I've seen this is when rocks are thrown into a fire.
Rocks that are fully submerged in boiling water shouldn't "explode"

A lot of people actually recommend boiling rocks to sterilize them after they've been in a tank with sick fish. I boiled some rocks I got out of a creek just to make sure no parasites or anything would live.

 

[Malbri]

The only time I've seen this is when rocks are thrown into a fire.
Rocks that are fully submerged in boiling water shouldn't "explode"

A lot of people actually recommend boiling rocks to sterilize them after they've been in a tank with sick fish. I boiled some rocks I got out of a creek just to make sure no parasites or anything would live.

that wierd.....once in chat Isaid something about doing to boil the rocks I found, and a few people were all like "omg dont boil rocks!"

 

[SHK_ATK]

Thanks for the input I am going to do the vinegar test and scrub them nice and clean. Add some some water from the 240G to soak it in and check the param. on monday or something. Everyone savvy with this? Am I forgeting anything?

:dance2: _-_=Thanks For the Input ALL=_-_:dance2:

 

[echoofformless]

You will need more than vinegar to make for a successful test. You need something stronger; like hydrochloric acid.

Well enough, bottle #1 of an AP nitrate test is the very stuff. Scratch the rock, drip the liquid on and watch for fizzing.

You might also consider knowing what kind of rocks you are using, as it can easily be assumed that almost any slate, quartz and many other types of rocks are generally free of significant amounts of calcium and/or lime. Plus small amounts of it are highly unlikely to cause any worrisome amount of changes in water chemistry. To the extreme let's say you put a small piece of straight limestone into a 55g aquarium - it would take many years for it to do anything significant to the tank's chemistry. And that's assuming you never change the water.

As far as preparation, it depends on how porous the structure is. A very solid, dense rock will be highly unlikely to harbor many dangerous substances past its superficial surface. A good scrubbing under running hot water will do just fine. Whereas a rock that is highly porous and not very dense could have evil nasties hiding a little deeper within its structure, and will require more intense treatment to guarantee safety.

 

[SHK_ATK]

Aquascape

I agree with you echo. Well What do you think? Here is the after pic

 

[Siren]

The photos remind me of Stonehenge or Easter Island. The tanks looks good with the "monoliths"...what are you stocking the tank with?

 

[SHK_ATK]

The photos remind me of Stonehenge or Easter Island. The tanks looks good with the "monoliths"...what are you stocking the tank with?

I haven't decided yet. Maybe some discus or some cichlids. But im always up for suggestions

 

[Astramorgaine]

So am I to understand that you can find some rocks in your garden and wherever, clean and boil them and you can safely use them in your tank? Cool! I have TONS of tailings leftover from gold panning, and this would be perfect to even grow plants in! Provided they pass the fizz test of course

 

[SHK_ATK]

So am I to understand that you can find some rocks in your garden and wherever, clean and boil them and you can safely use them in your tank? Cool! I have TONS of tailings leftover from gold panning, and this would be perfect to even grow plants in! Provided they pass the fizz test of course

Pretty much. I put mine in and I have my PH @ 7.6 If within the time that my aquarium cycles my ph is too high or two low Ill take them out. But if not Ill just end up doing another 80% PWC and keep them.

 

[edwardmean]

How long would it take for the rocks to change the pH? Would it be possible to just place the rocks in water from the tank for a few hours then test the pH?