Tank Decor From natural Sources?

[Slacker]

Im really wanting to go for the natural look for my new 20+G tank. There are some water souces nearby (shallow streams/stockponds) that i could get potential substrate, plants, water; ect from. But what are the dangers of this, and how might i tell the relative safety levels of such sources?

 

[depthC]

Yeah you can use the rocks and gravel if you want and maybe some driftwood but i would be sure to boil it just instead. As for using the water, that wouldnt be a smart idea. Are you going to go get a pale full of water everytime you do a water change? Really it would be more work then its worth. Just use tap water.

- depthC

 

[Slacker]

But basically getting the items from the river, even if its got riverwater on it would be generally fine?

 

[N©KI]

Yeah, you wont have a problem. But like DepthC said, you want to make sure to boil any items that will be going into your tank for precaution.

 

[geKo]

Soak and boil anything that goes in your tank from a local creek, lake, or pond. If you dont then you could introduce disease

 

[geoffgarcia2]

I went down to my local river and imported tons of rocks and sticks and stuff and never had a problem. Your probably more likely to import bad diseases and parasites from Walmart and Petco than from your local streams (unless the water is glowing)

 

[Slacker]

geoff, did you boil them first or just toss it all in?

 

[catfishmike]

i must aruge that whole idea that the stuff at wal mart or petco etc... is worse that the local water source.they both have drawbacks one any thing sold retail could be contaminated with mold or unknown chemicals,but i doubt parasites.now if you collect wild one yes you must boil to kill parasites that could easly be brought in.i don't know wath country everyone is in but i assume most of us are in north america,which has mainly cold water not tropical.cold water has diffrent parasites that affect tropical fish that cold water fish don't.and last if everyone robbed the enviroment for goodies for their tank that will erode the natural enviroment.