Rocks & Stones from the Beach??

[Seasand]

Hi all...
I`ve just totaly stripped my 50gal. tank and getting ready to turn it into a planted aquarium.( New style for me!!)
I was wondering if I can use rocks and stones from tha beach if I boiled them for an hour??

 

[Oranda/RanchuLV]

Here is a link I found that might help you
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070202140926AAJz9PI
I have heard a lot of people boiling drift wood for a long time (30 minutes to an hour)
I personally would not trust it because you don't know what could leach into the water.
This is just clips from a book I have read by Richard E Hess
"Don't use stones such as sandstone, which will disintegrate in the action of the water. Rocks and stones that leach elements into the water, such as limestone and marble, can prove fatal to your fish. Smooth pices of granite and slate are the best choices for aquarium decoration."
Hope this was some help. Good luck on your fish tank.

 

[odinthejd]

Try the vinegar test to make sure it's fine.

 

[Seasand]

hi Oranda/RanchuLV,

Thanks for the link and the danger of MARBLE. That was going to be one of my choices but not anymore!!!!!!!!!

 

[Seasand]

HI odinthejd ,
Does it matter which vinegar I use ie: Malt or white??

 

[Seasand]

Would it be possible and safe to use the big grey smooth pebbles that you find on the beach??

 

[ducatigirl]

I read on the skeptical aquarist that the vinegar test is not reliable, and to use your ph solution and if it fizzes its not suitable.
Personally I would boil them, or and soak them and place them into water with ammonia, then soak, then place them into water with de chlorinator (water ager/ prime/ stress coat to seep in.
I soak my things from the beach for a long time, then leave in full sun. Good if you need your water hardened for some cichlids.