I'd really like to put this stuff in my tank as my substrate but I have heard that they could possibly be contain chemicals that could leach into my tank.... I was speaking with a guy from a landscape place and he was going to hook me up on a good price but he said all the rocks are treated. Would a good warm water wash it all off or should I just look for another type of substrate??
Mexican River Rock....
- Thread starter Saba73
- Start date
What are his rocks treated with?
Wild river rocks can be a good option if there aren't toxic elements in the river. This usually means no nearby factories, mining operations or other human activity upstream. In any case, boil them (with a good lid on the pot!) a few times, scrub them a bit and maybe soak them in vinegar for a day to neutralize any hard mineral deposits, then after a good rinse in old tank water, if you are still wary of them, add them gradually over a few weeks watching the fish for any signs of stress. At least, that's what I would do.
Wild river rocks can be a good option if there aren't toxic elements in the river. This usually means no nearby factories, mining operations or other human activity upstream. In any case, boil them (with a good lid on the pot!) a few times, scrub them a bit and maybe soak them in vinegar for a day to neutralize any hard mineral deposits, then after a good rinse in old tank water, if you are still wary of them, add them gradually over a few weeks watching the fish for any signs of stress. At least, that's what I would do.
treated river rock? lol against what rot? 
I grab rocks form the river all the time. I soak them in a rubbermaid for a day or two with a ton of bleach, then scrub them with a stiff bristle brush, rinse, refill with clean water and add prime, then to the tank. Stay away from the ones with shiny stuff in the rock.
I grab rocks form the river all the time. I soak them in a rubbermaid for a day or two with a ton of bleach, then scrub them with a stiff bristle brush, rinse, refill with clean water and add prime, then to the tank. Stay away from the ones with shiny stuff in the rock.
knifegill;3741861; said:
Im assisting him personally with the build on this tank, and though your system sounds like a good one, it would be a huge undertaking to boil and scrub enough rock to cover the bottom of a 260g tank! Hes set on having dark substrate, if anyone has any suggestions were all ears.
Fishman0,
Thats exactly what I am looking for. I believe thats what they call mexican river rock here in TX... Did you get that from a landscaping place or another place?
Thats exactly what I am looking for. I believe thats what they call mexican river rock here in TX... Did you get that from a landscaping place or another place?