Rocks

[ShinyCard255]

I know it's safe to put rocks found in/near streams in your tank, but I was wondering if I had to boil the rocks first before putting them in the tank?

I want to attach some java moss to them (probably this weekend).

 

[Katch]

I would. Doesn't take long and its better than ending up with some nasty bacteria in your tank.

 

[ShinyCard255]

Good to know. How long should I boil them for?

 

[Katch]

Until they are lightly cooked and tender; firm to the bite but not mushy. Then serve on a bed of rockett and drisle with balasmic...

A few minutes.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Dont boil rocks some can expolde and cause damage and injury. Boiling the kettle and pouring into a bucket with rocks in is more then enough to kill any nasties

 

[Katch]

Dont boil rocks some can expolde and cause damage and injury. Boiling the kettle and pouring into a bucket with rocks in is more then enough to kill any nasties

If you place the rocks in cold water and bring them to the boil they won't explode. Rock only explode when rapidly heated. You need temperatures in excess on 70 degress to kill bacteria - so yes pouring freshly boiling water over them would work but this has a greater chance of causing the rock to shatter as you are going very quickly from cold to hot.

 

[ShinyCard255]

A few minutes.

Will do!

If you place the rocks in cold water and bring them to the boil they won't explode.

This is what I plan on doing

 

[micko]

I'd pour a kettle of hot water over them, giving them a clean before and after. Boiling a rock can be dangerous. You could be picking bits of granite out of your forehead for months.

I'd pour a kettle of hot water over them, giving them a clean before and after. Boiling a rock can be dangerous. You could be picking bits of granite out of your forehead for months.

I'd pour a kettle of hot water over them, giving them a clean before and after. Boiling a rock can be dangerous. You could be picking bits of granite out of your forehead for months.

 

[StandbySetting]

Just give them a rinse in water, there's no need to boil them.

 

[micko]

I'd pour a kettle of hot water over them, giving them a clean before and after. Boiling a rock can be dangerous. You could be picking bits of granite out of your forehead for months.

 

[ShinyCard255]

Just give them a rinse in water, there's no need to boil them.

Really?! No need to boil?!

I've read on a site that you should and on another to not...

 

[StandbySetting]

There's no need, all you need to do is rinse any dirt off of them.

 

[doresy]

At the end of the day, to boil or not to boil? do what you feel happiest with.

For me it would be a good scrub in warm water, rinse in warm water then pour a kettle's worth of boiling water over them. Leave for a while then in they go. Check for rust marks which indicates iron......

 

[ShinyCard255]

I also remember reading somewhere something about a sizzle test? Correct me if I'm mistaken. Would that apply to rocks

 

[StandbySetting]

A drop of vinegar will test for calcium carbonate, which if present will fiz and will raise the pH.