What Types Of Rocks Are Ok For Tank?

[h4hapoo]

So cassidy's tank is in the process of cycling! no drop in nitrites yet! her patience is still going strong! she is a rock lover and collector! to the point where we go to rock and mineral shows! She had asked me if she could put in any of her collection into the tank? she has many types of quartz, granite talc (obviously no talc in tank lol). So is there any that can go in and and we should avoid? I am a carpenter and at the job this week while digging site there was tons of this beautiful bluish green rock. So could i boil it a few times? will this effect my water readings? thanks in advance

 

[MrWhite]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=55806 Read this it should help

 

[h4hapoo]

thank you very much now if i can figure out what the ones i got at work are!

 

[OldMan47]

I would expect a rock collector to be able to identify the rocks that you have. Bring home a sample and ask.

 

[h4hapoo]

apparently i am a ditz! i never even thought to do that! sometimes the most obvious answer is literally in your face!!!

 

[cowboy507]

i wouldnt boil any rocks, they might explode!!
just scrub with hot water and vinegar
i believe that a general rule is that if you put vinegar on it and it bubbles or reacts to it in any way it cannot go in you tank...i might be wrong on that one though..

 

[h4hapoo]

exploding rocks would not be good at all! so i am guessing vinegar is safe for tank?

 

[OldMan47]

Don't put the vinegar in the tank. The idea is to do a screening test on the rock before you put it in the tank. If it bubbles it will drive the pH up rapidly so it is unsuitable. If it doesn't bubble, it may be OK to use after the vinegar gets rinsed off.

 

[h4hapoo]

actually i was thinking of vinegar to wipe the outside of the tank more then anything! somehow i dont think windex is a great idea. i did see at the lfs they had some spray and wipes but wasnt sure about that. what do you use to wipe clean drips on outside of tank? could you check out the post i just did about my fishless cycle please

 

[OldMan47]

I just wipe the outside of the tank with a damp sponge. If you don't let it get away from you, water is enough to clean the glass.

 

[h4hapoo]

sometimes the simplest answers are staring you in the face! never thought of that i just think glass as windows and how i have to clean them dirt and dust on the outside of windows drives me nuts! must try that tomorrow! Thanks oldman hope you are having good weather in IL!