Adding found rocks into the fish tank

[Michaelmouse]

I bought some smaller rocks from my LFS but the rock i want will cost me some £££ so i was thinking of going to my local lake and using them but how do i know if its aquarium safe, theres no fish in it yet.

[Jack Middleton]

Drop some weak acid such as vinegar on the rock, if it fizzes it'll increase your pH, if it doesn't it's generally safe to use, just check that there are no by-laws that don't permit the collection of rocks, if you get caught you might be fined if so.

[Michaelmouse]

What about cleaning it. Do you have to boil it because my parents wont be happy with me boiling a big rock

[Getthejist]

If you boil a rock it might explode so i wouldn't do that, instead i would boil some water wait until it stops bubbling and put the rock in.

[vinboy]

As above ive used every rock there is in my malawi setup just jetwash them and pour boiling water over them.
Be careful puting them in i use pond liner as a mat under sand and rock to protect glass.

[Michaelmouse]

Ive got 3 rocks i did the vinegar thing and they didnt fizz. I found them in a stream that was feeding a massive lake. Oh but i think two are sandstone is that ok? Havent cleaned them yet

[Michaelmouse]

my poor attempt at putting rocks in a tank to make it look good. thinking about putting some valisneria in the back near the big rock and at the other side some small plant that doesnt require much attention to. i hope you can see the picture if not i may need some help.
Tanks been running for a few days with an established filter so its a little cloudy still

any suggestions would be great as well thanks.

[malakye]

get some java ferns and fasten it to the rocks