![]() ![]() There are a few different ways to sterilize slate rocks for aquariums. ![]() It will help prevent the spread of disease and protect your fish from potentially harmful bacteria. Like anything you add to your aquarium, it’s essential to sterilize slate rocks before adding them to the tank. How Do You Sterilize Slate Rocks for Aquariums? Now that your slate rocks are clean and ready to go, it’s time to sterilize.After that, all you need to do is rinse the rocks off with clean water and let them dry completely.Once the rocks are clean, check if there are vugs or sharp edges.Using soap is unnecessary, but if you feel like you need it, use an aquarium-safe soap, like Softsoap Aquarium Series. After the time is up, use a stiff brush to scrub the rocks clean.This will help to loosen any dirt or debris that might be clinging to the rocks. Submerge the slate rocks in hot water and sit for 20-30 minutes until the water cools.Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have clean slate rocks in no time: When you’ve tested your slate rocks and are safe to use, you’ll need a thorough clean-up before adding them to your aquarium.įortunately, it’s not as difficult as you might think. How Do You Clean Slate Rocks for Aquariums? The preparation contains two parts: cleaning and sterilizing. If you’ve followed the steps above and are sure that your slate rocks are safe for your aquarium, the next step is to prepare them. How do I Prepare My Slate Rocks for My Aquarium? If there is a significant increase in the pH and hardness of the water, the slate rock is not safe to use. Test the pH and hardness of the water before and after adding the slate rock. The third way of testing slate rocks is to place them in a bucket or container with your aquarium water and make sure they are fully submerged. If there is, the slate is not safe to use in your aquarium. There should not be any accumulation of rock dust under your nail. If there is no reaction, the slate is safe to use.Īnother way of testing slate rocks is to scrape the surface of the slate rock with your fingernail. If the rock foams or fizzes, it contains calcium carbonate and should not be used in your aquarium. The best way to test slate rocks from shale is to drop them in a bucket of vinegar (acetic acid). How To Test Slate Rocks for Fish Tank Safety?Īs we mentioned earlier, the principal danger of using slate rocks in your home aquarium is the possibility that they might be shale, which contains calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that can affect the pH and hardness of the water in a way to harm your fish.īefore testing, make sure to wash the slate rocks with warm water and scrub them with a stiff brush to remove any dirt, debris, or residue. If you do use slate in your aquarium, make sure to smooth out any sharp edges with a rock tumbler or file. While the natural slate is safe for aquariums, the sharp edges can hurt fish and other aquarium inhabitants, especially those with delicate long flowing fins, like Angelfish, Bettas, Catfish, and Cichlids. ![]() Sharp edges are the most common issue with slate rocks. Don’t be fooled by their sparkly gold or silver coloration, as these minerals can be toxic to fish. If these slates are not tested before being used in an aquarium, they might leach, too.Īlso, don’t use slate with small to medium-sized cavities inside they are known as vugs that may be filled with calcite and other mineral concentrations. On the other hand, some types of slate have been used for centuries as roofing materials or floor tiles. You might notice the apparent color changes in the water or fish acting strange if this happens. These types of slate might leach minerals into your aquarium water, which can be harmful to fish. Sometimes, they were just quickly packaged for sale without this treatment. This way, any minerals leached from the slate will be diluted in water and pose little threat to aquarium inhabitants. The newly quarried slate was soaked for several days before being cut into tiles. What’s more, it consists of clay minerals and fragments of other and calcite, which means it will most likely have an impact on water’s pH level and hardness. While it seems not to be a prevailing concern anymore, many aquarium experts still caution against using collected outdoor slate rocks because of the possibility of aquarists are confused them with shale.īeing one of the geological ‘soft rocks,’ shale is a sedimentary rock, and it’s soft, crumbly, and has a dusty surface. −$6.96 $35.99 Buy on Amazon Why Test Slate Rocks?īe cautious with any slate rocks you put in your aquarium, even if they are sold as “aquarium safe.” To be extra sure, take a close inspection of these rocks before adding them to the tank because: They Might be Shale ![]()
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