Using Beach Rocks ...tar content safe?

[Kip]

Hi,

I'm setting up my 250 and collecting beach rocks here to aquascape it. The problem is, here in Santa Barbara there is a large tar quantity and many of the rocks have hardended tar spots on them.

My question is, will this be safe for a freshwater tank? I have already bleached and dechlorinated the rocks (will boil next). The only way to get dried tar off is to use baby oil, and I think this will be even worse to get off.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Volenti]

Welcome to the forums!

You could try soaking the rocks in a strong solution of dishwashing liquid, see if that frees up the stains. Should be easier to remove than baby oil (or use it to remove the baby oil, whatever works best)

 

[cjohll]

you could build a small fire outside and place the rocks into the fire. The tar should burn or melt off. some may break from the heat so let them cool completly before using them.

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy and Welcome to MFK

It is generally not a good idea to introduce any trace of tar/asphalt/petroleum resin into your tank. It can leach out and poison your fish. Instead of clean-up I suggest you just try to find other rocks. There's a lot of granite in CA. Just keep your eyes open when you go on a road trip. Or simply go to a rock shop (landscaping shop).

Better safe than sorry,
HarleyK

 

[Kip]

Thanks guys. I tried boiling them and more tar seeped from the cracks, so in the garden they go!