Tank rocks question

What are the stone made of?

turtle_girl;1985376; said:

Anyone know?

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I'm assuming that you're talking about pavers or a similar type of rock. You have to be careful when using these types of rock as many have been treated in the manufacturing process. It's hard to know for certain if or what chemicals have been used on these stones.

Stones, depending on their composition, can indeed raise your pH. If they contain elements like calcium or similar elements, they will certainly spike your pH.

i would be cautious using anything man-made. better go with natural stone. even natural stone you need to be careful since it can alter your ph like hawk said.

here's a good test:

Here's a better idea: if you have a nitrate test kit, you may also already have a better test than vinegar for lime content in rocks. My Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Nitrate Test contains two bottles of prepared solutions. Solution #1, labeled "Caution: contains hydrochloric acid," comes in a handy squeeze dropper bottle. If a drop or two on a candidate rock fizzes, or even bubbles, that rock would raise the pH in the aquarium.

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I wouldn't take the chance. If you insist on using them then place some tank water in a bucket and test and record the PH. Then place the rock in for 24 hours and then retest. It the PH is up then don't use them. If it doesn't then let them sit another 24 hours and retest. Thats the best way to know for sure. As far as the possibility of chemicals thats another story. Good luck

rucus;1986024;1986024 said:

I wouldn't take the chance. If you insist on using them then place some tank water in a bucket and test and record the PH. Then place the rock in for 24 hours and then retest. It the PH is up then don't use them. If it doesn't then let them sit another 24 hours and retest. Thats the best way to know for sure. As far as the possibility of chemicals thats another story. Good luck

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or you could find out instantly if you use the nitrate test kit as i posted!

I'm really just worried about the algae eater because it will suck on the rock and even if no toxins leak out into the water, he could ingest them.