Habitat - Indoor :: Rusty Rocks

[BullDog]

I went beach combing for some rocks for Frankie today.
I picked up a few of the rocks that you know are high in iron, since they have that "rusty" look on the outside.

Are these OK to put in the tank (scrubbed and boiled, of course)? Or will they leach something into the water? (Any geologists on the site? )

[fishyfingers]

from here http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/rock_metals.php

Iron, the commonest of all metals, is normally present in nature in the form if iron oxide, i.e. rust. It follows that if you have rocks containing iron, betrayed by rusty streaks and patches, it will not normally present a chemical problem for your fish since the rust, iron oxide, is inert, However, if there is enough rusty material it will discolor your water, so rocks that are heavily 'rusted' should not be used. A few patches or spots of rust here and there on rocks is not a problem.

[BullDog]

Wow! Great source! Thank you very much fishy!

[Bascomb]

B-Dog -- There is a product called "IRON OUT'' that will get the rust off your rocks. Follow the instructions and that will take the rust off. I purchase mine at Wal-Mart. It has a very tart smell while it is working. I use it to clean rust out of the toilet bowl and tank. It will get rust out of most anything. Make sure you rinse good before you put them back in the tank. b.