"John DeBoo" wrote in message
. ..
Once I settle on an aquarium, I'd like to add some Shale and Lava rocks
from our local area to create a nice looking setting and to provide some
'hiding' space for any fish wanting to do so. I know that this not
recommended due to possible contamination issues.

I use rocks from the yard and woods with no problems at all. Just don't use
porous rocks from agricultural areas where toxic sprays or spills could have
occurred. Shale is not porous so should be safe. No need to spend a bundle
at the pet shop for rocks.

HOWEVER - if these
items were soaked in say a 5% or 10% solution of bleach, then thoroughly
soaked & rinsed, would they likely be OK from contaminates and perhaps
minerals(?),

Bleach wouldn't stop minerals from leeching from a rock that leeches.
Bleach (the chlorine in it) is only a disinfectant. It kills bacteria and
viruses.

or should I simply bite the bullet and pay a heavy price
for features from my local fish store? I'll use whatever gravel comes
with the set up and would really like to make it look nice inside,

Then skip the horrid red, blue and other unnatural looking gravels. Stick to
natural colors.

however the safety of my little finned friends is more important than the
use of local rocks.

Thoughts, comments, absolutes?

If you plan to keep fish that do better in acid or neutral water skip the
limestone rocks.


Grandpa John
--

RM....
Zone 6. Middle TN USA
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