How can I sterilize rocks for a fish tank?

Question

Hi. I want to take some rocks I found in the ocean and put them into my tropical fish tank. How would I get rid of the salt and sterilize it?

Thanks

Answer 1

Live ocean rocks if that is what you mean, should be kept in the ocean. The reason for this is due to the fact that on live rocks, there could be live coral polyps growing on there, and if you take the live rock, and you do sterilize it, you are killing the coral polyp, which our reefs are declining due to global warming making this illegal to take any type of live rock or corals from the ocean.

You can buy some lime stone or other rocks at the pet shop. This would be a better bet for you, due to the fact that, it's not illegal for one, for two you are not harming any living creature or micro organisms.

When you do take oceanic rock that is dead, yes it may harden the ph of the water, however, to get rid of the bad bacteria on the rock, you should boil it for at least 20 minutes, after that 20 minutes, let it dry and cool off, then you boil it again for another 20 minutes, this is called sterilizing the rocks. But whatever you do, any living ocean rock, do not remove it, keep it in the ocean, only get the dead ones. You can tell if they're alive, when you see purple, reddish, and other organisms and invertebrates on the rocks, do not take it. Besides if you get caught, you may suffer harsh penalties and fines, and you can be jailed as well.

Anyways, I hope that this helps you, thanks for asking...............

Answer 2

Boiling them for several minutes should kill any nasties also.

Answer 3

Simple answer, vinegar.  Rinse well afterwards.

Answer 4

You can not put them in your tank,there is no way to get the salt out,your PH will go over the top.

                                Debbie O

Answer 5

oceanic rock is generally calcium based and will raise the pH and hardness of the water.

unless this is an african cichlid tank, i wouldn't do it at all

Answer 6

You can try boiling them in hot water though it'll raise your pH due to calcium from the water.