How do I find out if a certain rock is raising my water hardness?

**ZooTycoonMaster** · 05-08-2008, 03:04 PM

Do I drop it in a container of vinegar or something?

honor · 05-08-2008, 03:19 PM

i think you put a dab of vinegar on it and if it starts to bubble or foam after awhile then it's leeching minerals into your water.

Darkblade48 · 05-08-2008, 07:04 PM

Or, you could put the rock into a bucket of water, let it sit for (say) a few days, and then test the hardness of the water as well. Though the vinegar method is easier

**mpodolan** · 05-09-2008, 02:07 AM

To be even more conclusive, use muriatic acid. Not all stones will react to the vinegar method. Using acid is the fastest and easiest, IMHO, but I do understand that most folks don't just have it around the house

**ZooTycoonMaster** · 05-10-2008, 11:51 PM

Is there anything we can coat on the rock (Zebra Rock specifically) to make it lose it's buffering capabilities?

**fishsandwitch** · 05-11-2008, 04:58 AM

AFAIK zebra rock does not buffer. I tested mine with muriatic acid.

You could coat it silicon...thats all I can think of. And if you are going to put silicon coated rocks in you tank you might as well just poop in it.

05-08-2008, 03:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
ZooTycoonMaster Aaaw it's so cute :D (View User Tanks) PTrader: (10) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Santa Clara, California Posts: 1,398	How do I find out if a certain rock is raising my water hardness? Do I drop it in a container of vinegar or something? __________________ 10 Gallon Planted Tank SFBAAPS

05-08-2008, 07:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
Darkblade48 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 164	Or, you could put the rock into a bucket of water, let it sit for (say) a few days, and then test the hardness of the water as well. Though the vinegar method is easier __________________ Anthony If you find my advice helpful, be sure to click the reputation button (it's on the left, and they look like a pair of scales)

05-09-2008, 02:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
mpodolan A work in progress (View User Tanks) PTrader: (58) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lenox, MI Posts: 1,321	To be even more conclusive, use muriatic acid. Not all stones will react to the vinegar method. Using acid is the fastest and easiest, IMHO, but I do understand that most folks don't just have it around the house __________________ Mike 10" Cube 10g Shrimp tank 20g planted 50g planted

05-10-2008, 11:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
ZooTycoonMaster Aaaw it's so cute :D (View User Tanks) PTrader: (10) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Santa Clara, California Posts: 1,398	Is there anything we can coat on the rock (Zebra Rock specifically) to make it lose it's buffering capabilities? __________________ 10 Gallon Planted Tank SFBAAPS

05-11-2008, 04:58 AM	#6 (permalink)
fishsandwitch Shrimper wannabe guru! (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: United States Posts: 1,368	AFAIK zebra rock does not buffer. I tested mine with muriatic acid. You could coat it silicon...thats all I can think of. And if you are going to put silicon coated rocks in you tank you might as well just poop in it. __________________ shrimp chimp 20 gallon red cherry shrimp breeding tank 20 gallon long snowball shrimp breeding tank 20 gallon long tiger breeding tank

05-08-2008, 03:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
honor Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Los Angeles California Posts: 379	i think you put a dab of vinegar on it and if it starts to bubble or foam after awhile then it's leeching minerals into your water.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Advertisements
Get Rid of Advertisements