rocks

justL#s4me · Post by **justL#s4me** » 31 Jan 2005, 20:22

What is the best way to sterilize rocks collected from streams?
Thanx

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 31 Jan 2005, 20:49

First you'll want to check to make sure they aren't limestone or they will raise your pH too much.

This is easy, dip them in a bucket of Muratic acid (dilute Hydrochloric acid). Careful though as this stuff is pretty wicked even the vapors will cause severe burns.

If they continue to fiz fairly vigorously after a couple minutes or so, then they have too much limestone in them and should not be used (except in a Rift Lake or other hard water tanks). A few small streams of bubbles should be no problems though.

Once this test is done, rinse them off and let them dry completely. At this point, they are pretty much sterile and ready for use. I doubt anything you'll be concerned with will survive the Muratic...

If you want rocks for a Rift Lake tank, then just use a 1::20 mix of bleach::water. Soak them overnight, let them dry and you're likely good to go.

Post by **medaka** » 01 Feb 2005, 01:13

i use two methods
1st when the wifes out

.. i use the microwave

and the other is a bucket of water and add some hydrogen peroxide

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 01 Feb 2005, 03:12

Medaka,

The Microwave isn't a good idea! See this post:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... 6305#56305