Any Rock Safe?

Steve106 · 08-08-2012, 02:51 PM

Hi guys,

I've found these really cool redish brown rocks nearby my house and was wondering if they could be used in an aquascape. Will any types of rocks hurt fish/inverts, and is there a way to properly prepare them before use?

roadmaster · 08-08-2012, 03:08 PM

Some rocks such as Lava rock, can be too rough for bottom foraging fishes such as cory's,loaches,plecos, and other rocks may be made up of mineral's that can affect water chemistry by increasing hardness,raising pH.
If rocks are smooth,and do not fizz when vinegar is applied to them ,then they may very well be safe for use.
I have a lot of smooth riverstones I found ,or purchased at local lawn /garden store or landscaping stores in my tank's.

jbrady33 · 08-08-2012, 03:15 PM

Good article on choosing rocks:

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/rock_metals.php

Steve106 · 08-08-2012, 04:14 PM

Great advice and article! Thank you!

BBradbury · 08-08-2012, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve106

Hi guys,

I've found these really cool redish brown rocks nearby my house and was wondering if they could be used in an aquascape. Will any types of rocks hurt fish/inverts, and is there a way to properly prepare them before use?

Hello Steve...

Get some apple cider vinegar and put a few drops on the rock. If there's a reaction, then it shouldn't go into your tank.

Pretty simple.

B

Steve106 · 08-08-2012, 10:28 PM

Can i use white vinegar or does it have to be apple cider specifically?

**jreich** · 08-08-2012, 10:38 PM

Any kind of vinegar will work

Kathyy · 08-08-2012, 10:45 PM

Any vinegar is a weak acid and could work. If you happen to have a nitrate test then test solution #1 is a stronger acid and will have a much stronger reaction than vinegar.

Here is what it looks like, top two rocks show no reaction, bottom rock shows a strong reaction. That rock was in my tanks for decades and would be yet if I needed it.

Diana · 08-08-2012, 11:57 PM

Another simple test:
Put the rocks in a bucket with some used aquarium water. Test GH, KH, pH and TDS before you start, then every few days. If the water shows tiny changes it will probably be fine, but larger changes in mineral levels or pH might mean those rocks are not the best for your tank.
If the tank is not already set up then use the water you intend to use in the tank. Are you looking at a soft water tank? These are the set ups that usually need the most attention to careful rock selection. Are you running a hard water tank? Even if the rocks add minerals to the water, and raise the pH there is usually an end point, and that is often right in the optimum range for those sorts of fish. That would make those rocks a good choice in such a tank.

08-08-2012, 10:45 PM	#8
Kathyy Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (32/100%) Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 2,993	Any vinegar is a weak acid and could work. If you happen to have a nitrate test then test solution #1 is a stronger acid and will have a much stronger reaction than vinegar. Here is what it looks like, top two rocks show no reaction, bottom rock shows a strong reaction. That rock was in my tanks for decades and would be yet if I needed it. __________________ http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=195914 "180 gallons of Ferny Wood"

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08-08-2012, 02:51 PM	#1
Steve106 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: White Plains, NY Posts: 52	Any Rock Safe? Hi guys, I've found these really cool redish brown rocks nearby my house and was wondering if they could be used in an aquascape. Will any types of rocks hurt fish/inverts, and is there a way to properly prepare them before use?

08-08-2012, 03:08 PM	#2
roadmaster Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Missouri united states Posts: 705	Some rocks such as Lava rock, can be too rough for bottom foraging fishes such as cory's,loaches,plecos, and other rocks may be made up of mineral's that can affect water chemistry by increasing hardness,raising pH. If rocks are smooth,and do not fizz when vinegar is applied to them ,then they may very well be safe for use. I have a lot of smooth riverstones I found ,or purchased at local lawn /garden store or landscaping stores in my tank's.

08-08-2012, 03:15 PM	#3
jbrady33 Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (13/100%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Mt Laurel, NJ Posts: 1,010	Good article on choosing rocks: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/rock_metals.php

08-08-2012, 04:14 PM	#4
Steve106 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: White Plains, NY Posts: 52	Great advice and article! Thank you!

08-08-2012, 10:28 PM	#6
Steve106 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: White Plains, NY Posts: 52	Can i use white vinegar or does it have to be apple cider specifically?

08-08-2012, 10:38 PM	#7
jreich Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: philadelphia Posts: 2,940	Any kind of vinegar will work

08-08-2012, 11:57 PM	#9
Diana Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Contra Costa CA Posts: 5,083	Another simple test: Put the rocks in a bucket with some used aquarium water. Test GH, KH, pH and TDS before you start, then every few days. If the water shows tiny changes it will probably be fine, but larger changes in mineral levels or pH might mean those rocks are not the best for your tank. If the tank is not already set up then use the water you intend to use in the tank. Are you looking at a soft water tank? These are the set ups that usually need the most attention to careful rock selection. Are you running a hard water tank? Even if the rocks add minerals to the water, and raise the pH there is usually an end point, and that is often right in the optimum range for those sorts of fish. That would make those rocks a good choice in such a tank.