Are there other options than just the pet store bought stuff?

[Hailey]

I was wondering what other kind of rocks you could use in an aquarium? Does it have to be all special pet store stuff? or could you go outside and find some? I've just always bought aquarium substrate and never really thought about finding your own.
What do you guys think about this? would it not be safe? I'm not sure on how this sort of stuff works. For now I'm just looking to fill a betta tank. I want to get the tank up as soon as I can, thanks

[Kuli_Loach]

Well I use silica or pool filter sand sometimes as a substrate. You can boil rocks and such to make them aquarium safe, just make sure to test them. There is several things you can get and use in your aquarium right outside but you have to cure them and such.

[Hailey]

ohh ok, awesome. so I can go outside and get some gravel, boil it, and then would i do a vinegar test???

[Kuli_Loach]

Well rinse it good and then boil it for a while and then do a vinegar test.

[Drip Loop]

Some people say to pour a small amount of vinegar on the rock before it goes into the tank. If it sizzles than it is likely to increase your PH. However, I have read that muriatic acid is much more effective for this and can be bought from your local pool supply store. If you are uncomfortable working with this acid, than I suppose vinegar would suffice. Sterilize your rocks as well. good luck.

[Hailey]

ok, so just to be safe is there any type of water testing (with the rock) to make sure its safe? or would that not really do much? I just read it online...

[Hailey]

say i did the rinsing, the boiling, the vinegar, then set the tank up; should i keep testing the water for a couple days?

[Kuli_Loach]

Yea just to see if there is any buffering in the pH and such.

[Hailey]

alright well i'll try it then. and well this may be a dumb question but after the vinegar test, is all i have to do is rinse it again? or should i boil it? I haven't had to do a vinegar test yet, thanks!

[Kuli_Loach]

I would rinse it and soak it for a day in dechlorinated water just to be safe.

[Hailey]

ohh, ok, well thanks so much for the help!

[Kuli_Loach]

Thanks for asking to try and avoid problems!

[Drip Loop]

The fish you save could be your own! :hmm3grin2orange:

[LosC]

As for rocks, I got a bunch of slate rock for free from a friend who has a landscaping company. Slate rock is expensive at fish stores. Slate rock is cheap at landscaping places.

[Ocellaris]

A few years ago, I bought some clay at a craft store. Sculpted what I wanted, kiln dried it and instead of paying 15 bucks for some little cave, I spent 20 bucks on a whole aquarium making houses and hide outs.