I live in Maine, and there are many beaches, with xxx millions on nice rocks to be had. I was wondering if anyone here has ever used rocks from beaches along the ocean, and what you did to make them safe from a freshwater aquarium. I was thinking about scrubbing them with wire brush, and just soaking them in tap water for a few days.... But then again, I dont want to kill all my fish for some free pretty rocks...
Safe to use Rocks from Beach (ocean) in Freshwater?
- Thread starter geekpryde
- Start date
The only thing I would worry about is if you pick up a carbonatious rock. Drop some vinager on the rock and see if it foams. If it does choose a different kind of rock. I would just rinse it in dechlorinated water and call it good myself but I am also willing to put soil from the yard in my tank.
I use ocean rocks in my tank, and I just scrubbed and rinsed them (no soap). You have to be careful, since some ocean rocks are fragile and can come apart in your tank or affect the parameters. Go for rocks that seem to have only one type of rock to them, such as quartz or slate. Rocks containing mica, limestone or sandstone aren't the best idea since they'll fall apart/affect the pH.
Just a good scrub under running water is all you should need, but its a good idea to soak it for a couple days then test the water its been sitting in to see if it changes pH or hardness.
I use rocks i got from the beach in my tank, just gave them a good rinse and there all good, i would probably boil them just to be safe but you should be fine.
I also agree, and would boil anything I find outside. This will ensure you keill off any bacteria on the rock.
I use items that I get off the beach such as drift wood and sometimes rocks or shells. I have also picked up rocks from my driveway (away from the parking area) without any problems. I usually use granite, quartz, slate, agates and any non-porous type of rocks and stones.
I scrub off anything I find and then boil (30 min) or bake them (20 min @ 450°).
I scrub off anything I find and then boil (30 min) or bake them (20 min @ 450°).
I got some coral from the beach and boiled it to kill whatever was still alive inside. Then i put it in a 5 gallon bucket making sure to change the water religiously to get rid of the salt. Put it in the tank and it was all good. Don't freshwater tanks need a little bit of salt anyways?