Comprehensive Rock Safety Testing Protocol

 

1. Preliminary Visual Inspection

  • Check for metallic veins (iron/pyrite streaks indicate hazardous mineral leaching)
  • Avoid sharp edges that may harm fish (use sandpaper to smooth if necessary)
  • Porosity test: Lava rocks should float initially; dense stones like granite sink immediately

 

2. Chemical Reactivity Tests

Vinegar Test (Carbonate Detection)

1. Place 2-3 drops of white vinegar (5% acetic acid) on dry rock 2. Positive reaction (fizzing/bubbling) = high calcium carbonate content • Unsafe for soft-water tanks (pH >7.5) • Acceptable for African cichlid setups

Extended Immersion Test

  • Submerge rock in distilled water for 48 hours
  • Measure TDS/TDH before and after:
    • >50ppm increase = significant mineral leaching
    • Use API Master Test Kit to monitor ammonia/nitrite spikes

 

3. Structural Integrity Verification

  • Boil test: Suspend rock in boiling water for 20 mins (disinfects + reveals cracks)
  • Weight-bearing test: Stack rocks underwater with 2x intended aquarium pressure

 

4. Biological Compatibility

  • Introduce 1-2 feeder shrimp for 72h as bioindicators
  • Monitor for:
    • Erratic swimming (heavy metal toxicity)
    • Antennae deformities (copper contamination)

 

Appendix: Common Stone Ratings

Rock Type

pH Impact

Hardness Alteration

Fish Safety

Seiryu Stone

↑↑

↑↑

❌ Soft-water

Dragon Stone

Neutral

Neutral

✅

Slate

Neutral

Neutral

✅