wood

[myswtsins]

I wouldn't run the carbon at first, just keep up on those water changes and then adding carbon before the fish couldn't hurt anything.

Make a sketch! Always a good idea to get some input and it will help curb the urge to move forward too fast (we all know this feeling lol). For me anyway, doing something related to the thing I really want to do helps fulfill that desire. It is good to take our time in this hobby though.

I use a sump on my FW planted tank and I love it! It was a lot to figure out but once you learn it, it is so easy and flexible.

 

[Adler]

so continuing this, i finally found some rock i wanted to use



I want to know if all rocks are safe for fishtanks, i would not like to put something in that would poison my fish.

 

[fishorama]

It looks like slate? Probably safe unless from somewhere that may have exposed it to pesticides etc. Be careful of sharp edges, you may want to sand them off a bit

 

[Adler]

I don't think it was exposed to chemicals. but let us pretend it was... would washing it with water only be enough or maybe use soap?

this is just to have them ready before i put the pieces together... I'm still thinking on what to do with the filtration system

 

[fishorama]

I don't think I'd use soap. Maybe a vinegar soak for a couple days (distilled white vinegar, the clear stuff, don't dilute it). Vinegar will bubble if some of those white deposits are limestone, those could just be surface deposits (mud?) that may scrub off with a brush or plastic scrubby. Limestone & some other rocks (& coral & shells) can increase pH, you don't probably want that unless your water is very soft (low GH). I'm no geologist...

 

[dougall]

... Depends on the chemicals, some things will not come out with a soak or soap.

like if you use copper based medication in an aquarium, I would never use that for an aquarium imverts.

Chances are you will be fine though.

 

[fishorama]

Iron deposits can be problematic in some cases too but I don't notice any streaks...not like copper with inverts though.

My chemist husband & a plant club friend think think a strong acid will remove pesticides. I believe they were talking about muriatic acid to remove any from rocks the clubber wanted us to landscape with/store for him. I warned him we sometimes spray around the foundation & the guys went off into a chemistry chat I tuned out. Distilled vinegar is very acidic but safer to use than muriatic...cheaper too. Just buy a gallon jug of vinegar & use extra to clean around your house it's very useful!

Really Adler, I'd be more worried about the sharp edges than buying the "right" acid. I too think you'll be fine.