Preparing rocks for the aquarium

[TamDuncan]

Hello,

I found some nice rocks and I'd love to place them into my tank but how do I know they are safe and if they are safe how to I clean them? Thank you for any help

 

[bud29]

to the forum!

To test the rocks, place some vinegar on each one. If it fizzes, the rock has calcium and will raise the pH of your water, so you probably don't want to add it to your tank. After doing the vinegar test, you will probably want to boil the rocks to kill any bacteria.

 

[TamDuncan]

Thank you, I read that the rocks might explode if I boil them. Is that in fact true?

 

[bud29]

Thank you, I read that the rocks might explode if I boil them. Is that in fact true?

Usually they explode when they get suer hot, like around campfires. Since most bacteria die around 160 degrees and boiling is 212 degrees, you can bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat a bit, and then add the rocks. This would also decrease the chance of explosions.

 

[TamDuncan]

Awesome thanks!