Slate

[Humanist]

I am lucky enough to live at the edge the English Lake District, where there is an abundant supply of natural slate. I intend to get out and about to search for some suitable pieces for my aquarium. I believe that slate is safe to use in the aquarium, but what needs to be done before placing it in there? Would a good scrub and some boiling water rid it of all nasties?

 

[tribalbrit]

Yes a wash will do the trick. Just avoid any pieces that have iron ore or tin in them, these will apear as orange streaks. any metal is bad for fish.

 

[FishAreFriendsNotFood10]

If you put a few drops of vinegar on the pieces and it fizzles it means that it is not suitable for your tank... ofc you'll have to give them a good scrub and boiling afterwards
my slate caves have been fine since i put them in and have had no ill affect on my fish they love them

 

[Monty-2010]

a good boil scrub and a boiling wash should do the trick

 

[codheadjohn]

If you put a few drops of vinegar on the pieces and it fizzles it means that it is not suitable for your tank... ofc you'll have to give them a good scrub and boiling afterwards
my slate caves have been fine since i put them in and have had no ill affect on my fish they love them

Vinegar isn't a strong enough acid to make it fizz. I tried the vinegar test on some rocks I picked up and it looked fine. Soaked it in some water over night to wake up and the Ph had risen by 1.5. Tried this again and the same thing happened.

I've heard Ph down is strong enough to work

 

[LuciferJonny]

I have alot of slate in my tank as a wall. I just soaked it in hot water for a couple day and stuck it in. Done no harm, even have bits that have orange in/on them. No fish deaths yet and have been in there for for about 4-5 months now.

 

[Humanist]

Yes a wash will do the trick. Just avoid any pieces that have iron ore or tin in them, these will apear as orange streaks. any metal is bad for fish.

Went to a disused slate quarry near Cockermouth yesterday to collect some bits for my tank. I was quite surprised at the amount of iron ore that was in the slate there. There was plenty of 'clean' bits though, and much better than paying £20(!) per piece from local pet shops.