pebbles

[Discus]

I go down to Wales lots and was wandering if you could use the rocks you find, they look really nice

thanks for the help

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

thers a pinned topic at the top of this bit of the forum about rocks and such, i dont really know anything about rocks safe for tank use..so heres the link

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=55806

 

[Angry_Platy]

If they pass the vinegar test and you boil them first they should be fine. I use them and have no probs

 

[Dwarfs]

If they pass the vinegar test and you boil them first they should be fine. I use them and have no probs

The vinegar test is when you pour vinegar on a rock, and if it fizzes, don't use it. Boiling kills all the nasty little bugs

 

[ad_smith]

could pick up some nice slate in wales

 

[Cheese Specialist]

would be fine IMO, and attractive!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Discus

If you had asked about rocks taken from the ocean, I would say fine, but since it is a river you are asking about, I can only say that it depends on the condition of that river.

If the water is clean and healthy, go right ahead. On the other hand, if you have any doubt about the purity of the water, especially if it could contain any industrial waste and pollution, I would say it could be risky.

While boiling could remove biological hazards, it is much harder to get rid of petroleum and other chemical residues if they are present.

 

[RYO]

Discus said the pebbles are from Wales,no chance of industrial waste then lol

 

[Discus]

you can drink the water so it should be ok

 

[Lateral Line]

Be carefull using slate, it can have very sharp edges, file them off. Also be wary of any stones which feel "un-naturally heavy" - these are often metal ores and can poison your fish, there are many metal bearing minerals in Wales, particulaly the Snowdonia area.

 

[BobK]

If they've been in saltwater they cannot be used in freshwater tanks. Depending on the type of rock, it could alter your ph and kh as well.

 

[Discus]

thanks for all your help

 

[Galaxy]

What about pebbles, stones sold in garden centres?
Where do they come from? Are they ok for freshwater tanks?

 

[Teelie]

Some of them are, some aren't. I use decorative but uncoated/treated stones from Wal-Mart with no problems but I would be more reluctant to get stones from their garden center without knowing where they came from or how they were treated.