I found a couple rocks outside and I want to add them to my new tank. I haven't started the tank yet, but when I do I want to add them to the decor. What do I have to do to make sure they are safe? And can I even add them in the first place? Please help, I have no idea lol. 10 points to the best answer:)
It depends on what fish you plan on keeping in your tank. Some rocks will increase the hardness and PH of the water which is good for some fish but bad for others. The best way to find out what it will do to your PH is to take a bucketful of water, test the PH, then put in the rocks let them soak for a few days and then test the PH again. It really all depends on what fish you want to keep.
PS - Make sure to properly cycle the tank, here are a few articles...
http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_cicl ... http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_fish ... pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_sile ...
It is usually a bad idea to put anything you find outside into a fish tank. Just a small amount of anything toxic is enough to wipe out a whole tank. Many rocks have minerals that leach into the water and do various things. Some will disrupt the Ph levels, making the water unstable, others will add poison to the water. Mica is one that comes to my mind. I found some great looking rocks, looked like shale to me. I took them to a guy who knew a lot more than me and he noticed a high mica content ... You can break the rock and rub you finger on the break, if it feels waxy then it is mica. (bad for fish) I had great plans for a cichlid cave complex, but they were dashed when I learned that. Your best bet is to get the rocks from a fish store.
First off NEVER use any kind of soap on anything that is going into your tank. Now that that is clear .... lol. You can put outside rocks into your tank, the best way to clean them and disinfect them are to soak them in a hot water and vinegar bath for about 3 to 5 hours, rinse well and you can scrub the rocks if you want. 75% hot water to 25% vinegar. Good luck and enjoy your pets!
ya just wash them and soak them in hot water, u can srub them, and let soak in a bucket for 3 days or more to make sure it wont Disolve , and or change the waters Color.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
washing them and soaking will tell u if they are safe, and as long as its not like Limestone or something.
i have added rocks and even statues in mine, soaked and washed all of them and fish are all fine and happy
yeah you can. I did with mine. I had a pond outside and it had a lott ofalgaee so i put it in there for my bottom feeders. And itdidn'tt do anything to the tank or fish. Just make sure theyaren'tt that dirty it can make the tank dirty.
yes you can as long as you boil them, test them with vinegar, and scrub them very thoroughly
wash then in a water base soap an then just let them dry in the sun or under a light they should be fine to add after that: D
