how do i tell if rocks that i find in nature are safe to put in my aquarium? i know there is something about them making calcium deposits or something and i dont want to hurt my tank. where is a good place to find safe rocks? i am on a budget and dont have the money to go to the store and spend 30 bucks on a rock.
2006-07-29 17:16:36 · 10 answers · asked by rich 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
I wouldn't put any big rocks in your tank because after a while it gets really dirty under neath and its a real pain to clean under.
2006-07-29 17:20:52 · answer #1 · answered by hysteria75 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rocks that you find in nature causes the water to be hard. For some fish, this is OK., for others it is not. You need to check on the net to see what kind of water your fish requires. Also, if you want to, you can paint the rocks with a waterproof polyurethane (after washing them and thoroughly drying them). Then you can use them with any fish. Just be sure and let them dry REAL good before putting them in the tank. I have also done this with driftwood. It makes a really pretty ornament and you can decorate it anyway you want to (like gluing cheap plastic plants on it with aquarium glue).
2006-07-29 17:30:08 · answer #2 · answered by wildernessflower 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't put a rock from nature in with the fishes. $30 is plenty of money to go out and get a rock. just go to the fish store. u can ask the store owner if u can buy a rock rom one of the tanks. it will probably be cheaper then a new rock. make sure its a good rock and then fishes can swim under it.
2006-08-02 08:05:11 · answer #3 · answered by Kenny N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Soak the rock in vinegar - if it bubbles, it will add to the GH and KH of your tank (and you don't want that). If it doesn't bubble, it's safe to use.
Soak your rocks in a 9:1 water to bleach solution (9 cups of water to 1 cup of bleach) for three or four days. Then rinse them with clean water and transfer them to another container, and soak them in dechlorinated water for an additional week (make sure you add extra dechlorinator!!) This will kill any bad bacteria or other bugs growing on it so that it doesn't harm your fish.
If you have a stream or river near you, they are they best places to find great rock.
Good luck!
2006-07-29 20:05:57 · answer #4 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can use any kind of hard rock. t this means anything that when thrown or hit with another rock does not powder, it it breaks it only splits or shatters.
Some include:
Shale
Slate
Granite
River rocks - those found in creeks or steems and are rounded - would already have disolved if they were going to.
most rocks are safe, just want to avoid lime based rocks mostly
2006-07-29 18:26:24 · answer #5 · answered by urbanbulldogge 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
certainly slightly bleach won't harm, yet you're able to desire to be sure you rince each and every subject quite properly. for the clear out you will get the two an undergravel or over the facet, the two petsmart and petco have those. permit the tank set for some days in the previous you introduce any fish. i might additionally reccomend you get a thermometer for the tank it is going to help you save the water on the properly suited temp. I personaly dont have a heater, yet some desire them and use them. stable success
2016-12-10 17:30:50 · answer #6 · answered by erke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get any rocks that you want to put in the aquarium (small or medium). just be sure to boil them in water before putting them in the aquarium. boiling the rocks will not only sanitize the rocks but get rid of any harmful bacteria and loose debris.
2006-07-31 11:29:05 · answer #7 · answered by NCConfederate13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for spot of rust on the rocks. If there is any rust, do not use them. You don't want metals leaching into your water.
2006-07-29 17:27:41 · answer #8 · answered by DIRT MCGIRT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to your local park and get the gravel underneath the swings
2006-07-29 18:12:04 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sandstone is usually ok.get them from a creekbed.
2006-07-29 22:17:03 · answer #10 · answered by retrac_enyaw03 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋