Aquarium Rocks

[Pleky plec]

Ok so my neighbor has a garden with lots of rocks and pebbles. Could I put these in my tank if I boil them?

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Better to pour boiling water over them to minimize the possibility of them exploding

 

[Alyxx]

Better to pour boiling water over them to minimize the possibility of them exploding

+1 to this. Some rocks have internal air pockets and can explode when you boil them. Also do not put any rocks with metallic looking veins in them. Sedimentary rocks like sandstone aren't a good idea either. And test the rocks with vinegar, or even better a stronger acid like hydrochloride acid (or ph up if you have any) and if it bubbles, the rock contains calcium carbonate and will likely raise the ph in your tank.

Also, be sure to ask your neighbors before taking rocks out of their garden.

 

[Mrs.h2012]

Better to pour boiling water over them to minimize the possibility of them exploding

Totally agree here. When I got rocks out of my friends creek I scrubbed them with really hot water to get dirt and all off. Our water gets super hot out of the tap so I just ran the water at its hottest over them once I was done scrubbing them.