How to test Back Yard Rocks for aquarium?

Hey everyone! I'm new here, so just wanted to say thank you off the bat.

I've had my 135 Gallon aquarium up for about 3 months now and it's doing great. I live in the SouthWest and found some awesome rocks. I was curious if anyone had any information on how to test these to see if they're okay in my tank. All of them are smooth like river rocks.

I put them in a holding tank for a few days to see what it did to the water. Ph was a little high (7) but amonia, nitrate, and nitrite was at zero.

what would you do?

 

First, what fish live in the tank?

 

I was just about to ask the exact question id like to collect some rocks also. I know people use vinegar to test them but not sure why and how. Also don't worry about your ph mine is 8.2 haha

 

I have a few types, but I want it to be a discus tank overall. I have 3 now and will put 4 or so more in there. A couple tetras and goraumis and a cactus placo

 

Welcome, usafitz!

Some people use vinegar, but I've used muriatic acid on my rocks. You just put a bit on and see if it bubbles. If it does, I personally don't use the rock.

Here's an explanation of what this all means better than I could say it!

 

Welcome, @!

Some people use vinegar, but I've used muriatic acid on my rocks. You just put a bit on and see if it bubbles. If it does, I personally don't use the rock.

Here's an explanation of what this all means better than I could say it!

Good read. Didn't know the ApI kit could be used.

 

Thank you for that. I'll read up and learn a little more

I'm guessing a picture is always loved

 

Thank you for that. I'll read up and learn a little more

I'm guessing a picture is always loved

Nice!!

 

Thanks! So in this test, is the fizz good or bad? I gather that it'll just cap the Ph level. What can I expect if it does fizz?

 

When I've done it with muriatic acid, the fizzing is pretty obvious. Just a lot of bubbles. But hopefully someone else will chime in too!

 

Did you use the rocks?

 

I personally don't use rocks if they fizz. I just don't like the idea of them potentially changing the environment of the tank. Lol BUT I'm sure others have, and hopefully someone with experience on that end can chime in!

 

I do the vinegar test but the muriatic acid is a better thing to test rocks with. If it fizzes then its out as it could change the water (I don't remember specifically how). The King of DIY on youtube has a really good video on this, and explains the different tests and what different results mean for your tank.

 

Sweet. Thanks for that vid tip, I'll check it out

 

Here's my fizzies! Yard rocks are not okay the fizz stuck to the rocks even when I held them upside down.

Thank you, everyone, for the tips! Lava rock it is