Can I put river rocks in my aquarium?

Category: pets fish and aquariums
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You should be careful taking things from the wild and putting them in your aquarium. They can carry diseases and parasites. The bleach will probably take care of that, but you may want to soak the rocks in clean water for a few days, then let them dry in the sun. If it fizzes, don't use the rocks in your aquarium.



Consequently, can I use river stones in my aquarium?

You should be careful taking things from the wild and putting them in your aquarium. They can carry diseases and parasites. The bleach will probably take care of that, but you may want to soak the rocks in clean water for a few days, then let them dry in the sun. I have river rocks myself and are a great decoration.

Likewise, what rocks are safe to put in an aquarium? Some of the best rocks to use for a freshwater aquarium are lava rocks, shale, slate, basalt rocks, and quartz. These sturdy rocks offer a great variety in appearance to fit in with any aquascape. Avoid using rocks that have a high salt or calcium content, such as limestone, marble, and dolomite.

Similarly, you may ask, can I put rocks from outside in my aquarium?

The principal danger of using your own outdoor gravel and stones in an aquarium is the possibility that they contain calcium, which can alter the pH of aquarium water. If there is a significant increase, these rocks or gravel will cause problems in your aquarium.

How long should I boil rocks for aquarium?

After the rock has been boiled for about 20-30 minutes, it can be removed from the pot. It should then be placed on paper towels to absorb any excess water, and allowed to cool for at least an hour. The boiling will have removed all of the bacteria and other life forms from the rock.

23 Related Question Answers Found

Can you put amethyst in a fish tank?

Amethyst is a purple quartz crystal. Crystals are fine for tanks, however any geode type crystal need to be tested to see if the material they are attached to is safe. There can also be impurities within the crystals so be aware of any flecks that aren't purple or clear as those parts aren't amethyst.

How do I clean rocks for an aquarium?

How to Clean Aquarium Rocks and Decorations
  1. Fill a bucket with a nine to one mix of water to chlorine bleach.
  2. Soak the aquarium rocks and decorations in the bucket of cleaning solution for about 15 minutes.
  3. Scrub the rocks and decorations with a soft-bristled brush or sponge, then soak the decorations in clear water for 15 minutes.

What can I do with old fish tank gravel?

Whether you have a little or a lot to work with, use aquarium gravel to brighten your outdoor space.
  1. Garden Borders. Aquarium gravel can be used to delineate garden sections, as well as mulched or paved areas.
  2. Soil Aeration and Mulching.
  3. Pathways.
  4. Paving.
  5. Potted Plants.

What rocks are safe for cichlids?

Some of the best rocks for African cichlid tanks include soft ceramic rocks, small slate rocks, large decorative river stones, and any other such rocks. As long as cichlid tank rocks are relatively smooth, it should be fine.

Can you put crystals in a fish tank?


Agates should be water safe and invert/ fish safe, anything with copper attached I would also avoid. Some crystals contain flecks of copper naturally interwoven with it, stones like quartz are often found in conjunction with copper.

What will eat fish poop?

As far as we are aware, there are no freshwater fish that have poop as a necessary part of their diet. Some fish such as Corydoras and Plecostomus catfish are said to eat poop – but even if they did, they still require feeding just as any other fish would.

What should you not put in a fish tank?

1. Plastic. Many fish shops sell plastic toys, like Nemo or SpongeBob, to include in your tank. When plastics are left in water for long periods of time they can release potentially toxic chemicals into the water, so they should be avoided in fish tanks at all costs.

What household items can you use to decorate a fish tank?

How To Make Homemade Aquarium Decorations
  1. Clay Pots. So, one of the best things that you can use to make decorations for your fish tank are clay pots.
  2. Ceramic Mugs. Although kind of boring, some people have been known to put ceramic mugs and other ceramics into their aquariums.
  3. Rocks.
  4. Plastic Decorations.
  5. Plants.
  6. Wood.
  7. Glass.

Can I put tree branches in my aquarium?

In general, if the tree is one of the species where no part of it is poisonous, then it's safe to use in the fish tank. Just google the tree before you use its branch. If it has no poison warnings, it should be fine. I wash them with bleach and thoroughly rinse them.

Can I use lava rock in my saltwater aquarium?


There is no significant problem with lava rock, you just need to be aware of their properties compared to traditional aragonite type rocks. Most lava rock has very minimal limestone (if any) due to how they were created. And in most cases they are completely inert.

Can I put rocks in my betta fish tank?

Betta's love to swim at all levels, and it's common you'll see your betta cruising along the bottom. You'll need to buy small or smooth gravel so your betta doesn't hurt itself. Your gravel will also play an important role in your tank ecosystem. Benefical bacteria will grow on the surface, helping to break down waste.

What rocks raise pH in aquarium?

Rocks that raise pH are limestone, tufa, and coral rock.

Why do river rocks explode?

Air- and water-permeable rocks are much more likely to explode than dense non-permeable rocks. This is because air or water is absorbed by the rock when it is cool, and then the air or water molecules trapped inside the rock expand faster than the solid rock when it heats up next to the fire .