Rocks from in a fish tank?

Question

Is it safe to put rocks from a rive/burn into a fish tank, And if yes how should i go about cleaning them, Just rince them under water and scrub them with a pad?

Answer 1

Yes it can be safe but you will need to clean and test the rocks first.

To clean them use warm water and a stiff brush to remove any and all materials from the surface of the rock. If the rock gets soft, crumbles and feels sandy, discard that rock. Then soak the rock in a weak beach solution for 30 minutes. 1/4 cup to a gallon of water is enough to kill any remaining pathogens. Rinse very well and allow the rocks to dry well. Now test them.

First, drip a few drops of vinegar on the rock. If you see bubbles or fizzing, discard that rock.

Place each rock in a separate container of water. Just enough water to cover the rock and be sure that the container is quite clean. cover the container. Allow the rock to soak at least over night. The next day carefully check the surface of the water for any oily film or discoloration in the water. If you see either discard the rock.

A rock that passes these tests will be safe for your tank.

MM

Answer 2

I wouldn't suggest it since rivers can carry some diseases and parasites, but if you really want to you can. Run it under hot water and scrub it with something that has not come in contact with soap before.

~ZTM

Answer 3

Dont know if it is safe, ( i cerrtailny wouldnt risk it) i would boil on the cooker, And then scrub them. It would be better to buy some from the petstore,

~ GG

Answer 4

Yes , it's safe .I did it. Just scrub thew rocks with a brush & rinse them thouroughly.

Answer 5

it is safe, but you want to wash them a lot under warm water, when my fish rocks get really bad, I bleach them, then wash them really well, if you want to do that you can, just be careful!

Answer 6

it is safe, but wash it with warm water. many micro organsims and paracites can travel into the tank via that.

leeches will commonly come into the tank unless you wash it.