Is this slate safe foe cichlid tank?

[heathers_hounds]

Hi I am wanting to build some caves with this slate I have. Just unsure if it is safe due to the silver color to it. I have read some slate is unsafe. Thanks

 

[jcolon]

Looks safe to me, I'd say bring them up to a boil, then let cool back down.

 

[gallowchris]

Yup boil it for a good long time, at least 30min. Before putting it the tank either get a file or use a waste peice of slate to smooth all the sharp edges. I mean all of them or the fish will cut themselves on it.

 

[Retired_AF]

A quick test for anything you arent sure of is to place a few drops of vinegar on the surface. If it bubbles dont put it in the tank. That test isnt 100% sure for everything but will suffice for rock. If it bubbles, it will break down in the tank. real slate is pretty much safe though.

 

[gallowchris]

A quick test for anything you arent sure of is to place a few drops of vinegar on the surface. If it bubbles dont put it in the tank. That test isnt 100% sure for everything but will suffice for rock. If it bubbles, it will break down in the tank. real slate is pretty much safe though.

I love this forum, i never knew about that simple test thank you

 

[heathers_hounds]

Thank you so much for your replies! I'm still unsure about this particular piece of slate.. After soaking again after breaking it up, I still have residue coming off. I read that slate that has silver and gold color can contain metals that can poison the fish. Guess i will be looking for different slate. Bummer for I have saved this slate for years to use in this tank when I was ready.

 

[Noneck56]

You also want be careful of rock containing silicate. Tiny glass looking crystals.

 

[rustypleco]

i have used slate like that for a few years in my fishtank, has had no bad effect, fish seem to love it. if you look at the DIY section, i have recently built a massive slate piece for same slate, works a treat.

 

[Noneck56]

i have used slate like that for a few years in my fishtank, has had no bad effect, fish seem to love it. if you look at the DIY section, i have recently built a massive slate piece for same slate, works a treat.

Cool keep up the good work. I used to keep the south American cichlids then east Africans those fish were always rearranging my tank.

 

[rustypleco]

Cool keep up the good work. I used to keep the south American cichlids then east Africans those fish were always rearranging my tank.

that's why I went for slate. Bit heavy for themlol

 

[Mlani]

I also have slate in my tanks. I've had no issues with it. Just make sure to "dull" the sharp edges. I usually just use another piece of slate that's not going in the tank and rub the edges off with that.

 

[rustypleco]

I also have slate in my tanks. I've had no issues with it. Just make sure to "dull" the sharp edges. I usually just use another piece of slate that's not going in the tank and rub the edges off with that.

+1. Slate can be very sharp. But if you put in the time can be very rewarding.

 

[heathers_hounds]

i have used slate like that for a few years in my fishtank, has had no bad effect, fish seem to love it. if you look at the DIY section, i have recently built a massive slate piece for same slate, works a treat.

That looks great! Thanks for sharing!

 

[rustypleco]

That looks great! Thanks for sharing!

Your welcome. Thanks

 

[Malawi Freak]

Be careful with slate when you do tank maintenance. If you bang rocks around they can start splitting.