Beginner Rock Question

Hey all,
Beginner here, I've been doing a lot of research about rocks from stream beds and cannot decide if they are safe. Chances are I'm being too nervous, but I figured I'd ask. Some people on here say (in other posts I've read) do whatever, while others are more cautious.

I found a few rocks I liked for my tank, some scratch slightly with a knife (not falling apart by any means) and none of them reacted at all to muriatic acid. I boiled them last night for about 30 minutes and let them cool. Some sparkle a bit, so I thought I'd attach a picture and see if anyone had any thoughts. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! I'm located in western North Carolina and all were found on mountain trails in the blue ridge mountains far away from factories or pesticides.

If I'm being too cautious, feel free to let me know!

Thanks!

 

sounds like you performed all the usual tests and prepered them correctly. visibly, they all seem fine. the "glitter" might be tiny pieces of quartz (or similar) embedded, and should not be harmful to your fish. Id say to go ahead and use them!

 

Those rocks look aquarium friendly to me. The shiny sparkles are likely Quartz. No need to boil rocks, just rinse thoroughly.

 

Those rocks look aquarium friendly to me. The shiny sparkles are likely Quartz. No need to boil rocks, just rinse thoroughly.

Thank you for your feedback!

sounds like you performed all the usual tests and prepered them correctly. visibly, they all seem fine. the "glitter" might be tiny pieces of quartz (or similar) embedded, and should not be harmful to your fish. Id say to go ahead and use them!

Thanks so much!

 

You're likely being too cautious, but that's not necessarily bad. The majority of rocks you find will be perfectly safe. Those ones you have pics of, I have all the same ones in my tanks.

 

You're likely being too cautious, but that's not necessarily bad. The majority of rocks you find will be perfectly safe. Those ones you have pics of, I have all the same ones in my tanks.

Excellent! Thanks so much for the feedback!

 

Looks like basalt rock .

 

Looks like basalt rock .

Is that safe for fish tanks? Sorry, never heard of it.

 

Yes it is. Have some myself

 

Looks similar to the rocks I have. They love it and haven't caused any problems. Careful boiling rocks tho, they can blow up.

 

Looks similar to the rocks I have. They love it and haven't caused any problems. Careful boiling rocks tho, they can blow up.

Beautiful! Thanks for the response! I went for it and it hasn't affected the water. Don't mind the foggy water! Haha