aaronhill_cincinnati

Is it ok to add rocks from outside to my tank?

MissMTS

Welcome to Fishlore

I created my whole african cichlid tank from rocks that I found outside. You just need to make sure that you sterilize them propperly. I soaked my rocks in a solution of 19 parts water, 1 part bleach for about 6 hours. After that I scrubbed them clean in cold water. Next I boiled each of them for 30 minutes. It was quite a process, but I am very happy with the results, and best of all, it was FREE! Here is a link to my tank pics so you can see what it looks like:

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/me...k-resized.html

Matt

I actually picked up a bunch of rocks at the beach the other day but i am not going to risk adding them to my SW tank.

-Matt

Matt

Your tank looks very nice missMTS

-Matt

MissMTS

Thanks

I don't know if I would feel comfortable adding rocks to a saltwater tank either. They are much harder to keep balanced than freshwater tanks (or so I hear).

Matt

Yes they are. I will probably just go and buy some live rock rubble for my tank.

-Matt

Lucy

You can do a test on them to make sure they're aquarium safe. Put a few drops of vinegar on them, if it bubbles, don't use it.
I'm pretty sure a rock that reacts to vinegar can change your water chemistry.

A word of caution: If you test them with vinegar, be sure to thoroughly rinse them before sterilizing them with bleach

Matt

Hey!! I just had an idea. I could give all the rocks to my friend who has a cichlid tank

I will teach him how to clean them

-Matt

redkulat

I actually got rocks from outside as well and they are indeed a great addition to the tank.