Pebbles ??

I recently picked up a large 20kg bag of pre washed river pebbles from my local garden centre. On the bag it states they are chemical free and suitable for aquatics.

Now my question is, obviously after cleaning them thoroughly will they have an adverse effect on my tank water ?? I don't intend on using a lot of them, maybe 2-3KG to make a feature/cave. But I really not sure if they would have an effect on my tanks water.

Also when cleaning them I shall place them in a bucket of hot water and scub them thoroughly, then empty the water out, fill the bucket up with tank water and leave them sitting in the tank water for 2-3 days. Is this method ok?

Many thanks

James

 

I wouldn't even think you need to go that far, a good rinse is usually all they need.

Most rocks will not have an affect at all other than the visual and hiding places variants so I would not be concerned at all about them.

 

Oh right ..... so even using slightly more than the 2-3KG would be ok?? the tank is an Eheim 180 litre tank.

Many thanks

James

 

Should be just fine, I have a 33gal long tank that is done with nothing but river stones as a substrate and the tank parameters are just fine.

 

I also used small pebbles from homedepot, rinsed thoroughly. The pebbles are peanuts or bean size. It has been good so far. Fishes are happy and parameters are all good.

One problem with bottom feeders. I have three albino cories. So I got the Omega one sinkable pellets. Sometimes the pellets go between pebbles and I need to stir up the pebbles to resurface the pellets or the cories won't be able to get to it. Any suggestions? Am thinking to get some more smaller substrates and mix up with the pebbles, will that work?

thanks