Is this rock safe?

[Coletrickle]

I found this rock and thought it would look good in my tank. Is it volcanic? Is it safe?

If it makes a differance, there is nothing in my tank yet, not even water.

 

[lightcs4]

It's a nice looking rock, but I wouldn't put it in the tank unless you know the composition of the rock. I don't know if it is volcanic, but not all volcanic rock can be used in tanks. You could end up with long term issues as whatever is in the rock begins to leach out into the water.

 

[dustin_P74]

there is a way to test it to see if it will be safe but i dont quite remember how it goes, but someone else will chime in

 

[yote]

I wouldnt put it in my tank.
Like was already stated,you dont know exactly whats inside that rock.It could be completely safe,but then again,it could kill everything else you add later.

 

[RyanG]

It would be ok for freshwater. If you have your heart set on it put some vinegar on it if it fizzes its good to go, no fizz no use.

 

[Coletrickle]

Is that a very good indicator if it's safe or not? I was thinking of boiling it, but that would tell me if it would leasch something bad. So the vinigar tells me what?

Thanks

 

[dustin_P74]

if it fizzes it tells you you can use it in your reef tank, but if nothing happens it tells you that you cant use it

 

[RyanG]

The vinegar tells you if the rock is calcium based. Calcium=good

 

[cgoodman381]

if it fizzes it tells you you can use it in your reef tank, but if nothing happens it tells you that you cant use it

It doesnt mean you can't, it just means you shouldn't because your going to want better quality rock.

 

[RyanG]

cant vs shouldnt? same diff. Better to phrase it not recommend I guess.

 

[Coletrickle]

It didn't fizz.:grumble: Oh well, no big loss, it was a free random rock anyway.

Thank again

 

[Bifferwine]

Even if it is calcium based (fizzes), it could still contain metals, which would then leach out into your tank and kill your inverts :( Better safe than sorry when it comes to what you put in your tank.