Do rocks and slate need to be boiled for tank?

Ed204

Exodon
MFK Member
Mar 5, 2017
53
29
21
Personally, I don't boil my rocks. I just wash them with tap water and put them in the tank.

You could do so if you want, but in IMO it's not a must.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey

Drstrangelove

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Oct 21, 2012
2,693
1,227
164
San Francisco
I agree with tlindsey tlindsey on testing. Vinegar is cheap and it's never a bad idea when putting foreign things in a tank.

Rocks are always suspect, especially if they contain unusual colors.

I never boiled them; instead I have always scrubbed them with a hard brush to clean them, and in the case of pocked ones, to make sure there are no loose sections or hardened insect casings. Either method should work.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey

RD.

Gold Tier VIP
MFK Member
May 9, 2007
13,183
12,538
3,360
65
Northwest Canada
Most of the rocks that I have purchased over the years have been large boulders, too large to put in a pot and boil. I soak in chlorinated tap water, scrub with a stiff brush to clean any debris, and rinse. If one wanted to really go the extra mile you could soak in a heavy salt solution for 24 hrs, but that's probably overkill.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bbortko

HarleyK

Canister Man
Staff member
Global Moderator
MFK Member
Aug 17, 2005
6,931
1,626
1,453
USA
Just fizz test and scrub and you're good to go!
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store