Rock/Stones

Shoebox_16

Shoebox_16

Snr Member who craves knowledge.
Oct 5, 2008
104
0
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Greater London, UK
Hey. Need to know how to go about putting rocks and/or stones in my new tank. Can I buy them from LFS? Can I just use stones from outside?

I heard you can just use any stones you find, and test them for suitability by pouring vinegar over them - if they fizz you can't use them. Then you wash them in hot water.

Is this true?

;o
 
Semi true.

Most LFS rocks are safe.

The vinegar/boil trick is OK, but tricky.---May have chemicals in rock, ect.
 
What are you keeping?

The vinegar test is to find out if you have a soluble alkaline rock, such as limestone, gypsum, marble, or certain kinds of sandstone. These rocks can raise your water's pH, KH, and GH, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Some fish, such as mollies and African cichlids, as well as many inverts will appreciate the increased hardness. Others, such as goldfish, don't care one way or the other.

Of greater concern are toxins and pathogens on the rocks or sharp/gritty edges which may harm your fish. Don't use rocks from places where you think pesticides or other toxins could have come in contact with them. Don't use extremely gritty or sharp-edged rocks. I prefer to didinfect with bleach rather than hot water, as hot water can cause some rocks to fracture or even burst.
 
Most stones are okay for aquariums. like Noto said, just put a drop of vinegar on it if you are unsure. The vinegar will fizz if it is a rock that will change your ph, KH or GH. Most river stones are okay if you scrub them and give them a hot water bath.
 
Iron Pyrite is a no-no, toxic to fish.

Other that that I use found rocks all the time.... I boil for a while, then start with them in a cold oven, then bake at 500 for an hour, let them cool overnight without opening the oven door so there isn't a sudden temp change.

I've had a few rocks crumble, but none explode.

I use limestone on purpose to keep the KH high, but I keep rift lake cichlids and need a high PH/KH.
 
jm1212 said:
dont boil any rocks you find. there is a chance that there could be air pockets in them, which will could cause the rock to explode when they expand.

also, check for any veins of any type of metal.
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I sure would like to know if exploding rocks from boils is a old wives tale or actual fact? Anybody ever actually explode a rock themselves? or is it all just stuff heard or read?

I've boiled many and never had any sort of problem from it. I have had a few crumble after drying them at high heat in the oven.
 
i think its called soap stone. iv done this in boy scouts as a kid. get a soap stone, dunk it in water, use it as part of the fire ring. after awhile with a fire going, the rock start to hiss and pop. but not a dramatic explosion.
 
robbob2112 said:
I sure would like to know if exploding rocks from boils is a old wives tale or actual fact? Anybody ever actually explode a rock themselves? or is it all just stuff heard or read?

I've boiled many and never had any sort of problem from it. I have had a few crumble after drying them at high heat in the oven.
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its not probable, but it is possible, and there is no real way to tell beforehand.
 
Cooking rocks is a dangerous sport. Since bleach is available and does just as good a job, I don't know why anyone would do it.

And the best way to tell if a rock is going to change your pH is to get a bucket, fill it with water, test the pH, stick the rock in, leave it for at very least 24 hours, but a week is better, then test the pH again.
 
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