Putting Rocks in Betta tank, can I put a couple from outside

[King of Candlesticks]

Can I put rocks from outside in my new 3 gallon? only a couple cool looking ones... If so how do I prep them?

[paws]

yes you can you just have to boil them in boiling hot water before you do. to kill off the bacteria and germs. Also don't wash them with saop. You will kill the fish with what is in the soap.

[SST]

Don't boil them as they can explode. There's a stickie about how to do that around here somewhere. Take a look around for it.

You can also soak the rocks in a mild bleach solution, then rinse, rinse, rinse. Let dry. If it still smells like bleach, rinse, rinse, rinse some more and repeat.

[SST]

http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=8678

[paws]

oh yeah forgot! lol sorry.

[okiemavis]

You can clean it with either vinegar or a bleach solution. Just make sure to rinse A LOT after with fresh water.

[Falina]

Instead of boiling (which you shouldn't) you can pour boiling water over them, or bake them in the oven.

[paws]

I was wondering also if I could put a shell that I found on the beach could I put into my betta's tank or should I rinse it with vinigar?

[SST]

Certainly, you can put it in. Just clean it first (no detergent, though.)

[okiemavis]

I'm pretty sure shells do change water parameters. I can't remember if it is gh or kh that is effected, and it may not be much, but that's something to be aware of.