FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I just took a trip to KY and found some really sweet rocks. What types of things should I do to them before I put them in my tank? I have heard of boiling them or backing them. What to people think is best??

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Either or will work well. The goal is to kill anything that might be living in a crack somewhere.
I reccomend starting out with a good scrubbing using a unused kitches scrubby (you don't want any detergents) or use a handfull or two of aquarium salt.
Next take a knife (with assistance of course if necessary) and scrape a small portion to give you a fresh surface and pour a capful of vinegar onto it. If it bubbles it will mean the rock will raise the PH of the tank. Depending on what fish you're keeping this may or may not be desireable.
Finally boil or bake for 10-15 minutes.
Allow to cool give a final rinse and arrainge in the tank. If they're to be stacked it's adviseable to use silicone to keep them from falling and killing anyone....in the tank .

^_^[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

The tank that I am putting these into has in it:
A pair of convics
1 orange fin loach (might be leaving soon)
1 Common PLeco
1 Synodomuis Catfish
4 Giant Danios
2 B. Rainbows

I have never really looked into the whole Ph thing before witht my tanks so I don't know how my fish will do. In the tank I have other rocks that I have found in the past couple of years and just rinsed and put in the tank. I haven't had any problems with them. So I guess my question is: how tough are my fish??

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

your fish prefer more acidic water. 6.0 - 7.0 ideal. I would not add the rock if it is not safe.

Though fishes have been wiped by bacteria carried with stones. At least give those two a 10 minute heat bath in the microwave oven. No hassle, no water involved, just pure party! First time i did that, rocks were hot as hell. It took like 4 or 5 minutes to handle them with the hands.

How big is your tank, wing?

I'll do graffiti,
If you sing to me in French.

I have three tanks right now. Only two up and running. One is a 55g and the other is a 20g. I will set up the 40 next year after I move.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric