Adding a rock to freshwater tank.

[BJBart]

I have a nice rock that after a week has not increased or decreased my ph. It also passes the nitrate bottle 1 test producing no bubbles. Pblm is it has some roadtar residue on it. Will that harm my fizh? I have tetras.

 

[Aspen35]

I have a nice rock that after a week has not increased or decreased my ph. It also passes the nitrate bottle 1 test producing no bubbles. Pblm is it has some roadtar residue on it. Will that harm my fizh? I have tetras.

Not sure what you mean about the nitrate test… ? It’s good that it hadn’t affected the PH, but if it has residue on it I would strongly reccomend against putting it into your tank. Better to be safe than sorry

 

[Sgooosh]

Not sure what you mean about the nitrate test… ? It’s good that it hadn’t affected the PH, but if it has residue on it I would strongly reccomend against putting it into your tank. Better to be safe than sorry

If it’s just a bit I bet you could chisel it off..

 

[Aspen35]

@BJBart A picture would be helpful

 

[PheonixKingZ]

A picture would be helpful. When in doubt, don’t add random rocks to your tank, it’s just not safe.

 

[Aspen35]

A picture would be helpful. When in doubt, don’t add random rocks to your tank, it’s just not safe.

Especially with rocks, theres plenty of others you could find and use that would be safer at least if that’s what you wanted to do

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Especially with rocks, theres plenty of others you could find and use that would be safer at least if that’s what you wanted to do

I usually recommend people buy rocks that are in the hobby, that have been stress tested and are safe for aquariums. Collecting “wild” rocks may be much more cheap, but it will cost you in the long run.

 

[Aspen35]

I usually recommend people buy rocks that are in the hobby, that have been stress tested and are safe for aquariums. Collecting “wild” rocks may be much more cheap, but it will cost you in the long run.

Agreed. Personally I think of all the things you could invest in for this hobby, rocks aren’t going to be the priciest thing out there generally and in the long run, you just want to keep the fish safe

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Agreed. Personally I think of all the things you could invest in for this hobby, rocks aren’t going to be the priciest thing out there generally and in the long run, you just want to keep the fish safe

Hehe, maybe for freshwater. For saltwater on the other hand? I spent over $80 on dry rocks, and about $20 on live rocks.

 

[Aspen35]

Hehe, maybe for freshwater. For saltwater on the other hand? I spent over $80 on dry rocks, and about $20 on live rocks.

Oh yikes well, hence why I said “generally.”that’s why I won’t be getting into saltwater any time in the near future lol

 

[BJBart]

Not sure what you mean about the nitrate test… ? It’s good that it hadn’t affected the PH, but if it has residue on it I would strongly reccomend against putting it into your tank. Better to be safe than sorry

I read that if you put a drop of Nitrate solution bottle 1 on your rock and it bubbles it is not safe in a tank. You can use it or vinegar.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I read that if you put a drop of Nitrate solution bottle 1 on your rock and it bubbles it is not safe in a tank. You can use it or vinegar.

That’s not true. The vinegar part is, but the nitrate bottle is a total hoax.

 

[BJBart]

That’s not true. The vinegar part is, but the nitrate bottle is a total hoax.

Did the same with white vinegar and no bubbling or anything either. It was like water running off.

 

[Essjay]

API nitrate bottle #1 contains 14% hydrochloric acid. Look at the safety data sheet on API's website.

Acids react react with carbonate in the presence of water, releasing carbon dioxide. Any acid will do this - acetic acid (vinegar), hydrochloric acid (API nitrate #1) etc.


Edit to add - I have just put some dry bicarbonate of soda powder (baking soda), which is sodium hydrogen carbonate, into a small pot and added 1 drop of API nitrate bottle #1. It fizzed. A lot.