using backyard rocks?

[extremebunny]

I am currently cycling a new 5g tank for a betta and the decorations are a bare minimum, only 2 plastic plants I pulled from my 10g. I have heard of people using rocks from outside for tank decoration, but what rocks will work? I've never tried this before and I don't want to mess things up, but the tank looks pathetic and I have no extra money for decorations as I already owe my parents quite a lot of money. If I rinse them, do a vinegar bubble test, and boil it, how likely is it to be safe?

 

[ImACoolguy]

Very likely. My only issue is I had some rocks pass vinegar test then months down the road they got really dusty and I eventually moved them to my reptile enclosure.

 

[aseradyn]

You can, depending on what kind of rocks you find. The big things to avoid, I think, are limestone and anything that might have absorbed pesticides (sandstone, maybe).

Don't boil them. Every so often you'll get a rock that has water inside, especially if it's pulled out of a well-watered garden, is permeable like sandstone, or has cracks, and if that turns to steam it can ruin your day in a hurry. Pour boiling water over them or treat with bleach instead. A good scrubbing never hurts.

 

[extremebunny]

I had already boiled them before I read the replies, but nothing bad seems to have happened so far. I'll let them sit out for a while before putting them in.

 

[MDDad]

I put two hunks of granite from my yard in my tank. No issues.