Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => Fish Tanks and Equipment => Topic started by: Lee2Gould on April 13, 2017, 01:15:46 PM

Title: Gravel exposed to rainwater - safe?
Post by: Lee2Gould on April 13, 2017, 01:15:46 PM

Hi. Really quick question.  I had trouble in my tank and at first thought it could be the gravel (it wasn't). I had taken a fair amount out and left it outside in the rain etc. Would this be ok to clean and put back in the tank? The rest of the gravel is safe and fine in the tank.
Thanks

Title: Re: Gravel exposed to rainwater - safe?
Post by: Sue on April 13, 2017, 02:43:44 PM

It should be OK with a good wash. It is likely to have dirt, dead leaves, dead petals etc that have been blown into it, and just possibly some sort of creature in there if there's water in the container. We use large plant pot saucers as bird baths and they get insect larvae in them, for example.
But a thorough wash should remove all those.

Title: Re: Gravel exposed to rainwater - safe?
Post by: Matt on April 13, 2017, 03:59:37 PM

Assuming it is natural gravel, I would guess you could always boil it or treat it with a mild bleach solution to try and kill anything that may be on there (important to wash it off thoroughly again!!)

Title: Re: Gravel exposed to rainwater - safe?
Post by: Lee2Gould on April 13, 2017, 06:38:21 PM

Thanks both. I did think it'd be fine but really do take every precaution now.
Cheers