Is it ok to use real outdoor rocks in a freshwater fish tank?

Question

I want to grab some rocks from my garden to use in my 20 gallon fish tank, I don't know if it will harm the fish.

Answer 1

Sure, just clean them and check them first. Wash the rock really well in hot water and scrub off any dirt. Once dry, drip on some vinegar and see if it fizzes at all anywhere on the rock, if so, don't use that rock. If it doesn't fizz, place it in a bowl of water and cover it over night. If in the morning you find an oily film on the water, don't use the rock or if the roick has flacked or crumbled at all in the bowl, don't use that rock. Most will be just fine, but do take the time to check each one first for the health and safety of your fish.

MM

Answer 2

It depends on the make-up of the rocks,Calcium containing rocks will have a considerable affect on the pH of the tank. Some crystalline rocks will dissolve in an aquarium. If you do try to use garden rock first soak it in a bleach solution,if it fizzes or bubbles it won't work in the tank. If it passes this test soak it in the bleach solution for a couple of weeks,then rinse it thoroughly and soak it in a Sodium tri-phosphate solution for a few days. Then repeat rinses 'til you can't detect any chlorine odor.

Answer 3

Absolutely not. You need to make sure that there is no bacteial or mold growth that could destroy your tanks ecology.

You can scrub the rocks then place them in boiling water but if you really want to be safe, buy some from the store. The rocks sold there will also have a safe mineral content for the water in the tank.

Answer 4

yes you can!!
the best thing to do if you really want to use outdoor items in your fish tank .. clean them good! (and not with soap it will contaminate the water in the tank and hurt the fish) the best way is to boil a pot of water and let the rocks sit in there for a few mins .. the hot water will kill most or all the bacteria on the rocks and make them suitible for a fish tank!

also you can do his with sticks to if you want them in your tank. && do not put real shells in the water over time they break down and will ruin the water in the tank and kill the fish!!

good luck

Answer 5

Yes,just make sure the rocks are clean,give them a good rinse & they should be fine.I have a 125 gallon tank and do it all the time when I find cool looking rocks.

Answer 6

I think it's ok, but you will have to scrub them down real good and maybe soak them to get the dirt and germs off the rocks. You might want to check with a pet store and see if they have some kind of rock or cleanser for that.

Answer 7

clean them before putting it in the tank since it may have some unknown or unwanted micro organism that might can some problems to ur fish. to be on the safe side... its best to clean the rocks first.

Answer 8

noooooooooo! NEVER! No matter how much you wash them off! They could have peticides weed killer that will never come off! Also the fish could get stuck under this rock and die! Experiance! DONT DO IT! Buy some from the pet store!

Answer 9

well i did try that to my fishtank and i found for sum reason that the outside rocks as well as ocean sea shells produce algee alot quciker...im sure they look really nice and its safe to use them maybe boil them in hot water to disinfect them from the outside pesticides .. honestly i wouldnt do it though i have realized that...
fish and fish care are very very sensitive they build there own enivorment in the water they live.. but if u are cleaning the fishtank and adding new water and stuff than go ahead but i wouldnt otherwise...

Answer 10

First pour some white vinegar on them. If it bubbles or foams, you don't want to use it. It'll raise the ph in your tank, unless that's what you're trying to do :) Otherwise, I'd recommend scrubbing them and boiling them before adding to your tank.