creek rocks

Question
Thanks for the speedy reply...since I am setting up an African Cichlid tank, it will be ok if the rocks are calcarous?  Would you still give them the hot water scrubbing?  Thank you very much. -----------------------

Followup To

Question -
Can I use rock from a creek to decorate my fish tank?  If so, what do I do to clean the rocks?  Thanks very much!

Answer -
Dear Jay,
Sure. Most all rocks are "aquarium safe" in a sense. But some do in fact release mineral substances that can raise your pH and hardness to levels that your fish may certainly not appreciate.

A frequent technique for testing if the rock is Calcarous (mineral bearing) is by putting a spoonful of vinegar on the surface and watch for any fizzing. If it fizzes that rock can release minerals into your water. Another method you can try is setting the rock in a small bucket of water, testing the pH before adding the rocks and then again about a week later, if the pH has risen then you know those rocks may not be safe. Calcarous rocks are good for african cichlid aquariums whom love harder water.

~The way I clean rocks is to thoroughly scrub the rocks in hot water. Don't use any soaps or chemicals. Just a very good scrubbing with hot water under the tap.

I really hope this helps!
Only my very best wishes!
Karen~

Answer
Hi Jay,
Excellent! Yes calcarous rocks are fine for african cichlid aquariums. The africans will appreciate the higher pH and hardness water the rocks create.
~And yes, I would still give them a good rinse/scrub under running hot tap water. Just to remove any odd "critters" that might be hiding in the crevices, any dirt or other organic debri and if gathered in the water to destroy any possible bugs or anything like that.

Best wishes with your african cichlid aquarium!
Karen~