Home depot/Lowes River Rocks: Are they safe?

[carcinoma]

Just wondering, are the "river rocks" safe for aquarium use?
I am referring to the larger 4"+ rocks that are in the garden/yard section of the Home Depot/Lowes hardware store.
Thanks!

 

[flowerpower]

I'd use them. If you want to be extra safe either boil them or soak them in 1:10 bleach:water solution. How much are they? I may go get some myself.

 

[KaiserSousay]

I think you would get a better selection, along with price, at a landscape supply.
But, if you must go with HD/Lowes, the bulk of the rocks they sell would work.

 

[velanarris]

Those rocks should be fine, as the other poster above said, give them a soak to remove the grit and other garbage they blast them with.

 

[tthanatoss]

I used a bunch of "river rock" in my tank and it was suggested to me that the manufacturers use solvent based polishing compounds at times so make sure the rocks are really clean before adding them to your tank. I scrubbed mine in a bit of bleach then boiled them and I haven't had any trouble.

 

[fishnut]

I use the ones they sold at Home Depot. I just rinsed them and put them in my 300 and its fine.

Price wise, landscape area around my house sells them for more as they sell in bulk and HD/Lowes buys their items in bulk therefore price are cheaper.

 

[gomezladdams]

Rocks are rocks.wash em before you use em.

 

[dogofwar]

I've used river rocks, although from a landscape place. Rinse them in a bucket to get any dirt off...

 

[carcinoma]

For some reason, I remember reading somewhere that these rocks contain certain minerals and components that can leech into the water and poison the fish.
Is this true?

 

[swede]

I think you would get a better selection, along with price, at a landscape supply.
But, if you must go with HD/Lowes, the bulk of the rocks they sell would work.

i can atest to this. i got about 20 rocks/stones and it only cost 17 bucks at the local landscape stone dealer yard. you can also walk the yard and choose from different types/shapes/sizes of stones. its the way to go