How to Clean River Rock??

[tmg996]

I live next to an abandoned masonry, its been abandoned for 2-3 months. They have a huge selection of river rock i want to put into my tank instead of paying $1.50 a lb at my LFS. How would i go about making them safe for my tank? I currently only have 15 feeder platies in my 30 high which is cycling. I want to put a few in there, some to make a cave, and some to just look natural. Thanks all!!

 

[Aspencer]

Boil the rock for half an hour, then put vinegar on it...if it bubbles, it will leach into the water, if not, then good to go.

 

[tmg996]

I dont have any vinegar readily available at this time, after i boil them for 30 mins, is there any other way to check them if they are safe?

 

[Aspencer]

Well, if you know geology, you look for rocks that are not porous like granite and slate.

 

[tmg996]

Ok so rocks without many small holes, got it thanks!

 

[Aspencer]

Ok so rocks without many small holes, got it thanks!

I went hiking at Smith Rock, rock climbing mecca, and found lava with little holes. It is the rock itself that you do no want to be porous.

 

[rich311k]

Put them in a bucket of water, wait a week, and see if they effect the hardness and ph of the water. No need to boil and it could be dangerous, a good scrub and dip in a bleach solution is all that is needed.