Can I add this rock to my tank? [ 10g. ]

[AIvinn]

Okay so, I was in my backyard this morning and I found this really cool rock. I have a 10 gal and was just imagining how it would look in my tank. I really want to add it but I'm quite hesitant to. If I do end up adding it, I want to soak the rock in boiling hot water for 24 hours though. Should I add it to my tank or is it a bad idea? Attached is a picture.

 

[Ouse]

It is a pretty rock. Definitely boil it for 24 hours as you said. Adding it straight away can introduce whatever could be settled on the rock into the aquarium. Boiling it in hot water will essentially clean it.

 

[AIvinn]

It is a pretty rock. Definitely boil it for 24 hours as you said. Adding it straight away can introduce whatever could be settled on the rock into the aquarium. Boiling it in hot water will essentially clean it.

Yessss.

 

[Jojo205]

I believe u can check if it’s inert (won’t change water parameters) or not by dropping vinegar on it and if it bubbles or fizzes at all it’s not inert

 

[AIvinn]

I believe u can check if it’s inert (won’t change water parameters) or not by dropping vinegar on it and if it bubbles or fizzes at all it’s not inert

Yeah I plan on doing the vinegar testing method.

 

[Sauceboat]

Don’t boil for 24 hours it as it could make it explode, either just pour boiling water on it once or bake it at a low temp for 20 minutes to disinfect. I personally don’t do anymore than a rinse and put the rocks in. I’ve had no issues so far.

 

[AIvinn]

Don’t boil for 24 hours it as it could make it explode, either just pour boiling water on it once or bake it at a low temp for 20 minutes to disinfect. I personally don’t do anymore than a rinse and put the rocks in. I’ve had no issues so far.

Ah. I'm just scared that it might alternate the chemistry of my tank.

 

[Batmantheanglefish]

That is a cool rock! As the others said I would use the vinegar method to test it and boil it. I’ve only done it once with a rock and have no issues. I tested it with the vinegar and boiled it for 5 minutes.

 

[StarGirl]

Ah. I'm just scared that it might alternate the chemistry of my tank.

You could soak it in a bucket and test the pH for a few days to check if its doing anything. If it doesn't bubble with vinegar it is more than likely not going to. As Sauceboat said don't boil rocks, they can explode. Just scrub them off and plop em in.