Last Updated on June 10, 2023 by David
In our aquarium decoration, it is quite normal to insert stones. Not only is it one of the most common decorations, but it also imitates the natural fish population. But, is every type of stone suitable for our aquariums, or do we have to pay special attention to it? Unfortunately, we cannot insert any rocks into aquariums we see, whether we bought them in a pet shop or found them on the street, but we have to pay attention to whether or not they are harmful to the fish we keep.
How to sterilize rocks for aquariums?
When we buy stones in pet shops or those shops that specialize in fish and aquariums, it is enough to wash the stones well, but mild cooking is also recommended. The stones are boiled to destroy bacteria and remove dust and any kind of waste from the cavities of the stone. If we do not destroy the bacteria on the stones, there may be a change in the culture of the bacteria that we obtained by cycling. If this happens, it can be fatal for the fish in the aquarium. After disinfection and destruction of harmful bacteria, we can continue normally. This is also necessary if we are in the process of cycling the aquarium because it is crucial to start with a clean aquarium, for the safety of the fish mentioned above.
The previously mentioned stones were found in our surroundings, but is it really possible to put them in the aquarium? Of course, it is one of the possibilities, all that is needed is good preparation and the right choice of stones. Let’s start first with the preparation and disinfection of the stones before inserting them into the aquarium. We found stones that we like and brought them home, if the stones are dirty from mud or soil, we first clean that layer. And we do this until we can no longer visibly notice the spots or lumps that were previously on the stone. One of the options is to wash the stones by hand, but it is much better to use a toothbrush (ordinary or electric) because they penetrate deeper into the cavities of the stones, and of course, therefore cleans the areas that are more difficult to reach.
How to identify limestone rock?
After washing and scrubbing the stones, it is necessary to pour a few drops of vinegar on the stone. This procedure is used to identify limestone. If the stone starts to foam, we can be sure that it is limestone, and that stone is better avoided for the aquarium. Limestone is a type of stone that changes water parameters such as hardness. Of course, for most fish, this would mean death, but there are also fish that need a higher water hardness, but due to precautionary measures, limestone is avoided in the aquarium. As for the other stones that we can find in the area, if they do not foam, they move on to the next, final stage of disinfection. That last stage, as with purchased stones, is simple cooking. This is especially important for stones found in the environment, because they carry various microbes and bacteria that remain on the surface even after washing, and can cause problems later.
After good cooking and cooling, our stones are finally ready for the aquarium. Of course, it is still necessary to pay attention to the aquarium for the first week, but it is more of a precaution. These are very easy processes of preparing rocks for aquarium, and they mean life for our aquarium fish.
