Hi,

I bought some rocks about 6 months ago and they are some black rocks. I bought them at the local fish store. I have started to notice that the black coating on the rock is chipping away. Underneath is some brown colored rock. Are these rocks dangerous to my fish? If so how should i get rid of them?


Thanks

Hi Lam Lam.

Did they come in a bag?

If so-And you say they are chipping away the "paint" that's on them, If it was me I would get rid of them right away. Although it *May* not be harmful to your fish they might very well ingest some of the chipping and get it caught. So actually YES it probably is harmful to them.

However I am not totally sure how to safely get rid of them. Let's see what other's have to say about that part.

Yeah it came in a bag. When i do my water changes i suck up some of the chips. Im not sure if its normal or if i should get rid of them right away. If i dont get rid of them whats the safest way to take it out and put new rocks in.


Thanks

My best bet, would be to take them rocks out. as if any of the chips are small enough your fish will try and eat it.
therefore a dead fish.

if you want rocks in your tank. then to be honest any rock will do. even if it is one from your garden, as long as it is cleaned properly to make sure its safe to place in your tank.
Then i dont see why you cant choose any rock you wish.. just as long asd it isnt one with paint on it.

alough you say you bought them at your local fish store, if they are chipping away liek that then they shouldnt be selling them in my opinion. as long as you make sure the rocks you wish to use are clean and have no paint on them, then use any thign you like.

Make sure yu boil it though to get the bacteria off.


hope thats any help to you

It sounds to me like you bought a bag of epoxy coated aquarium gravel. Unless you've boiled this gravel, I don't really think you have anything to worry about. your fish won't eat the small chips of epoxy, they'll spit them out just like any other thing they get in their mouths that isn't food.

If you do decide to take them out... Remove them a little at a time. Don't take all of it out at the same time.