Rocks question :)

[suds1421]

I know there are a lot of questions about rocks but I went collecting today and found a lot of great ones. The ones that I like the best are ones that are slightly flakey, almost sandstone but harder. I scrubbed them and got the loose stuff off and they aren't flaking any more off...

So if I get the loose stuff off then can I use these? What are the issues with flakey rocks.

 

[mike dunagan]

Just watch for sharp edges.

 

[Mikehcfc]

So what are they made of?Plus are they clean and where you get them from.Dont want any hidden nasties hurting your fish

 

[spirofucci]

I'm no geologist, but some "rocks" can be harmful as in leaching bad compounds into the tank. Maybe a picture or two might help the lapidary experts here.

 

[mike dunagan]

pour some vinegar on it. If they bubble they are not safe.

 

[CLDarnell]

pour some vinegar on it. If they bubble they are not safe.

Why did that suddenly make me hungry?

 

[mrs.dayak]

Hmmm...that is how you make rocks safe for your tank? Rinse them in vinegar? What about driftwood? Sorry to ask on your thread, suds, but i couldn't resist...been meaning to ask.

 

[CLDarnell]

Hi

No, the vinegar test is to see if the rock is suited for aquarium use. To clean them, a light bleach scrub and rinse, rinse, rinse works good.

Most driftwood is boiled and then soaked until it no longer floats and it no longer leaches tannin.

 

[mrs.dayak]

Thank you! This is the coolest forum ever! I swear someday i will be able to advise others instead of just sucking your brains like a leech ;P

 

[Brian_Indiana]

I always scrub down rocks before adding them to the tank. I would follow the other posters' advice. You should be good.