new rocks causing alkilinity?

PrincessPea · 07-27-2008, 12:33 PM

Hello excellent aquascapers, I have a question about rocks. I recently placed four large local river rocks into my tank after doing the test with vinegar to make sure they would not react swiftly to acids, and they seem to be fine- only now my pH is creeping upwards (still safe, but it has climbed from 6.8 to 7.8 pH)
I believe from the look of them and our local geology that the rocks are most likely basalt.

Any ideas? I do like the smooth rounded contour and dark color, I can't find anything in the local shops rocks that are not striped, pink or orange, translucent, jagged/flaky, or have a cute little hole in the middle for the fish to swim through.

If anyone is from the Seattle area, that is where I am prospecting for stones. These ones came from near Stevens Pass.

Thanks!!

P.P.

epicfish · 07-27-2008, 01:37 PM

Sometimes vinegar isn't strong enough and you'll need to use muriatic acid. I would keep them in a bucket and test them for a while before putting them back in your tank.

PrincessPea · 07-27-2008, 04:22 PM

Hmm. I have some stop bath, that's pretty concentrated acetic acid. I will give it a try. I will also try and find a new set of rocks, as I am sure it's the rock's fault, seeing as my Aq was running consistently acid before the rocks moved in.
For future reference, are you suggesting testing by putting them in a bucket and seeing if the Ph rises over time?

P.P.

Jur4ik · 07-27-2008, 06:19 PM

yes it is (imo) best method

doesnt influence on your fiosh or plants - totaly harmless

07-27-2008, 12:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
PrincessPea Junior Aquascaper Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 13	new rocks causing alkilinity? Hello excellent aquascapers, I have a question about rocks. I recently placed four large local river rocks into my tank after doing the test with vinegar to make sure they would not react swiftly to acids, and they seem to be fine- only now my pH is creeping upwards (still safe, but it has climbed from 6.8 to 7.8 pH) I believe from the look of them and our local geology that the rocks are most likely basalt. Any ideas? I do like the smooth rounded contour and dark color, I can't find anything in the local shops rocks that are not striped, pink or orange, translucent, jagged/flaky, or have a cute little hole in the middle for the fish to swim through. If anyone is from the Seattle area, that is where I am prospecting for stones. These ones came from near Stevens Pass. Thanks!! P.P.

07-27-2008, 06:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jur4ik Senior Aquascaper Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 449	yes it is (imo) best method doesnt influence on your fiosh or plants - totaly harmless __________________ Regards Jur4ik

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07-27-2008, 01:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
epicfish Aspiring Aquascaper Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 51	Sometimes vinegar isn't strong enough and you'll need to use muriatic acid. I would keep them in a bucket and test them for a while before putting them back in your tank.

07-27-2008, 04:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
PrincessPea Junior Aquascaper Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 13	Hmm. I have some stop bath, that's pretty concentrated acetic acid. I will give it a try. I will also try and find a new set of rocks, as I am sure it's the rock's fault, seeing as my Aq was running consistently acid before the rocks moved in. For future reference, are you suggesting testing by putting them in a bucket and seeing if the Ph rises over time? P.P.