Bad Idea? (rocks)

this may be stupid but I was wanting to add some small rocks to the tank to build a cave. I really don't want to purchase any plastic rocks so how would I add them to a tank I feel like washing them is just to easy

 

What type of rocks?
Can you post a picture of them?

 

Cheapest way: go to a stone quarry, and pick out some small stones that will work for what you have in mind.

THEN: after you get these home, rinse these off really good, and then boil them. This is what I did for my 125 gallon mbuna aquarium. Worked out great for me anyway.

 

Do a vinegar test to make sure something isn't in them. Don't remember what it is but if it
bubbles don't use it in the tank. Otherwise I think most people use found rocks. Why would you buy them.

But don't boil them there is a chance they could explode. I'd pour hot water over them but all I did was hot water from the tap and threw them in.

 

how would I add them to a tank I feel like washing them is just to easy

Nope, that's it. Scrub any debris off them, pour boiling water on them if you're really paranoid, throw them in your tank. That's all I've ever done, usually skip the boiling water.

 

Nope, that's it. Scrub any debris off them, pour boiling water on them if you're really paranoid, throw them in your tank. That's all I've ever done, usually skip the boiling water.

Agreed.

 

the rocks would be ones that I got from the pond neerby so they will be smother than the ones from the ground.

 

You need to make sure there isn't any outside chemicals or pathogens that the rock may have. Best thing to do is to boil the rocks in hot water and them them stew until they are ready.

 

These were all found in a creek bed. Just boil them and clean them up good.

 

These were all found in a creek bed. Just boil them and clean them up good.

I would do something like the first two mixed together

 

Bad pic, but everything here, other than the fish, plants, pots and powerhead were collected from the wild. Local beachs, rivers and lakes.

Including the sandstone sphere.

 

Bad pic, but everything here, other than the fish, plants, pots and powerhead were collected from the wild. Local beachs, rivers and lakes.

Including the sandstone sphere.

how would you add the wood safely?

 

I would do something like the first two mixed together

Yea you'd be surprised what you can come with. I change it up every few weeks

 

how would you add the wood safely?

Wash any debris off. Carefully slip it between the crossbracing to avoid breaking them.

 

Bad pic, but everything here, other than the fish, plants, pots and powerhead were collected from the wild. Local beachs, rivers and lakes.

Including the sandstone sphere.

Dude that's nice looking tank.

 

What I did was pick rocks from the backyard, it was there for years and have gone through the rains which cleans them of anything bad. I took them, cleaned them each with a toothbrush and put them in. My tank is fine.