Rocks

[SHK_ATK]

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?

I had mine soaking for about 6 hours. PH in tank and PH of rocks with water from tank was the same 7.6. Im cycling my tank so Id expect to the rocks to be in the tank for at least a month. And like i said in the other post if it says the same ill leave it in there, but if it changes then ill toss them. Also someone posted that for some rocks to actually turn the param. of your tank water to something you dont want it can take a very long time. Ive had my 29g with some rocks i got from a creak for about 9 months and there is still no change in the ph.

 

[PDX-PLT]

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

Thanks for thiat little tidbit of information. I knew that household vinegar was too weak of this test. But I didn't know a source of HCL (aka muriatic acid) was right at hand.

 

[wackydan]

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

That's only if the rock is heated to a much higher temperature - and quickly.

The temperature of boiled water is not enough to cause the rock to instantly fracture.