Adding Stones & Pebbles

[mytropicals]

Hi,

I want to add some stones & pebbles to my tropical tank, can I use ones that are fom my garden & wash them. If so what is the best way of cleaning them?

 

[Corleone]

Most of them would be ok. Scrub them in clean water without soap to get the dirt off, boil or soak in a 10% bleach solution followed by soak with a very high overdose of dechlorinator to sterilize them. You can test with vinegar or a stronger acid to see if they'll effect pH (if they will, they'll fizz when touched with an acid). A couple small "fizzing" stones aren't so much of a problem - I have several small river stones that fizz weakly, which I keep because they're pretty under water.

 

[jonnyf84]

^^^ spot on, test with vinegar, be sure to wash well afterwards though.

 

[mytropicals]

Most of them would be ok. Scrub them in clean water without soap to get the dirt off, boil or soak in a 10% bleach solution followed by soak with a very high overdose of dechlorinator to sterilize them. You can test with vinegar or a stronger acid to see if they'll effect pH (if they will, they'll fizz when touched with an acid). A couple small "fizzing" stones aren't so much of a problem - I have several small river stones that fizz weakly, which I keep because they're pretty under water.

Thanks for your reply....I scrubbed them in clean water & then boiled them for approx 20 mins, but forgot to use the bleach!!.....should i do it again?

How long should I soak them for with the dechlorinator before adding them to my tank?

 

[jonnyf84]

dont worry about the bleach, its not essential, they don't need soaking for long, 20 mins. be sure to test a few with vinegar before you put them in.

 

[mnemonik23]

btw, if you are looking for some nice and many pebbles, check your local Michaels (craft store). I picked a few packs of very nice pebbles of different sizes and colors for $0.99 each. Similar or even smaller packs in LFS go for $5+

Make sure to wash them and test as Corleone suggested!