redgal

Hi everyone!

I am setting up my first tank (10g) to house a betta. I have two questions ( I'm not sure where they belong so I posted them here).

First question: I am going to put some rocks in that I found in a river a while ago. I did use a few of them for house decoration a long time ago so they were sprayed with perfume/scent. However, I did the vinegar test and boiled them for 3 hours. Will the scent still be on there and harmful to the fish or will they be safe to put in my tank?

My second question is that although I no longer use any harmful chemicals, scented products or cleaners ( I have too many animals and babies now, LOL) I do light incense from time to time ( like the jostick incense sandalwood). Will this harm my fish or will it still be safe to use it?

Thanks so much!

Kath

sirdarksol

The chems from the perfume may still be on the rock, and may harm your fish. The more scent that was sprayed on the rock, the more likely this is.

Try to keep the incense as far away from the aquarium as possible. Anything that's in the air can also get into the water. However, as long as the incense isn't right next to the tank, it shouldn't be harmful.
One extra note about incense: Some incense (most notably the stuff that comes attached to a bamboo stick) uses saltpetre to burn, and does produce some toxic fumes. Most of the stick incense that doesn't have bamboo, as well as the cone incense in it uses something like makko to keep it burning, and is much less toxic. Not sure which you use, just throwing that out there.

catbtony

I burn incense, candles, burn scented oils, fireplace the works in my house and I have never had any problems with my tanks or fish. I have read that tank can be bothered by this stuff and cause problems but I live in my house along with lots and I mean lots of animals. I also use charcaol in my filter to help with air born polutiant. As far as the rock I would try in in a bucket of water add an air stone and a fish that you would not be up-set if it died and test it-but if it were me I would not use it in a tank...good luck

redgal

Thanks folks!