Sandstone in fish tank?

Question

is it okay to put sandstone in a fresh water tank? what is the best way to clean the stone and make sure that you get rid of all the residual salt that's still on it and in all the nooks and crannies before introducing it in the tank?

Answer 1

hi there,

Yes, sandstone is fine to put in a goldfish tank as it shouldn't affect your Ph in any way. Just make sure that it is in fact sandstone and not limestone! (if your not completely sure, run some water over it into a cup, then check the Ph of that water)

Generally speaking, the easiest way to clean rocks for fish tank use is to run them under / soak them in some boiling water (no chemicals!) You can also scrub with a toothbrush. Another handy option is to sun bleach them for about a week to rid them of any micro organisms (Not really necessary seeing as theyve been outside).

However, I would be really careful putting rock you found in your garden into a tank, as they can often carry pesticides and other harmful chemicals

Best of Luck

Meg

Answer 2

Absolutely no good in a fresh water tank, it will send your PH through the roof.

Do the vinegar test. Pour a bit of vinegar onto the sandstone and it will create bubbles as it dissolves the stone. That would happen in your tank over a longer time period.

Stuff you find on the beach may look good, but as a rule it's no good in an aquarium.

Sorry for the negative answer.

Answer 3

have u tred looking on the inter-net?

Answer 4

Sandstone is mostly quartz, which is entirely inert and will have NO affect on your pH.  Things like limestone, however, will.  Go ahead with the sandstone, though it may begin to crumble if other hard decorations grind against it consistently...

Answer 5

I have a bunch of shells from the ocean in my freshwater tank. The best way is to boil them for a couple hours. It will get all of the salt and what not off of them. Thats what i did and i never had a problem.