Natural rocks?

[Jimm_88]

Hey, my question is two parts.

Firstly is it safe to add naturally found rocks to a tank, and if so would an amygdaloidal basalt work out very well? I found a very nice one and would like to use it as a "center piece".
Thanks

[Red]

You could also do a vinegar test and see if it sizzles or not... and then once you do that clean the rock a lot...

[Jimm_88]

Finally finding a use for vinegar was very exciting, the rock did not fizzle at all (as I expected), it is now sitting in a sink with water. Will I be able to use it in the fish tank?

[Gemini]

Make sure you give it a good clean and then you can put it in the tank.

[gourami*girl]

To clean my rocks (which I picked up from a creek) I soaked then scrubbed them in a 10% bleach solution, rinsed them VERY WELL in tap water, then placed them in a stoppered sink and poured boiling water over the rocks. Once the rocks were cool they went into the tank. Doing both steps may have been overkill, most say one or the other is sufficient, but I'm paranoid. :c2: They've been in my tank now 2 months with no problem.

Good luck!

[Northernguy]

I cleaned and boiled my rocks in salt water for 2 hrs.It maybe a little over the top but 20 bucks for a fish ,its worth it!

[The Wedge]

H2O2 kills everything...great disinfectant. After I initially rinse my lava rock, I pour hydrogen peroxide over it. I have had bad experience with bleach...when I thought I had rinsed it enough. I rinsed it very thoroughly...and still had issues. H2O2 decomposes into oxygen and water if exposed to light so it doesn't hurt the fish. It is one of the most effective disinfectants that is not a phenolic derivative.

[bushwhacker]

basalt is inert wont hurt your tank at all