Rock Decor...

[AxxD]

Hi, I'm in the proccess of setting up a 125gal freshwater tank, my question, whats the best way to rinse/clean the 60lbs of rock I bought? I rinsed them good in my stationary tub and then put them in buckets of water over night to soak.. The water looks clear, is that good enough or am I supposed to use some type of cleaner? (bleach or ammonia)

 

[RushingChamp28]

I am assuming that the rocks your purchased were from an aquarium/pet store and are meant to be put into a fish tank: [The reason I ask is that many rocks with certain compounds, such as calcium or limestone (which is made up of calcium) can change the pH/hardness of the water.]

To clean the rocks for your tank, you would want to wash them in plain water to remove and dust/debris that might get in the water. Bleach/cleaners can many times be absorbed into the rocks like a sponge and then leeched into your fish tank, causing severe problems, so you should certainly avoid them.

Many people also like to either boil tank decorations or bake them in the oven to sterilize any bacteria/fungi/etc that could be living on them. (Some rocks/*gravel* are coated in an epoxy layer (such as many of the kinds you buy at Walmart, etc, it should say on the package if it is coated), these should not be heated as it will melt at higher temperatures).

Probably too much information for a simple question and answer, but there you have it.

Hi, I'm in the proccess of setting up a 125gal freshwater tank, my question, whats the best way to rinse/clean the 60lbs of rock I bought? I rinsed them good in my stationary tub and then put them in buckets of water over night to soak.. The water looks clear, is that good enough or am I supposed to use some type of cleaner? (bleach or ammonia)

 

[AxxD]

Thanks for the reply...Thats good to know about the bleach, I have heard from other aquarium hobbiests' that they sometimes bleach various decor.

 

[RushingChamp28]

I think in general when people talk about using bleach to clean aquarium decorations, it is plastic/resin ornaments that do not absorb the chemicals into them like natural rocks and wood do.

Thanks for the reply...Thats good to know about the bleach, I have heard from other aquarium hobbiests' that they sometimes bleach various decor.

 

[symon_say]

I boiled my rock when i bought then, so far so good.