Can I put a small rock from outside into tank?

I have a turbo snail that I think may not be getting enough to eat so I bought some dried seaweed to supplement until my tank is more stable again. I don't have any rocks small enough to attach it to though.

Can I use a small 1" rock from outside if it's rinsed super well?

 

I would boil it.. depends where that rock has been and what it has been exposed to.

 

Okay Ill do that. It's pretty smooth too.

 

It depends on the rock as well. If it looks like it has rust or other metal in or on it, I would not use that one.

 

once it's clean put in in some vinigar, if it fizzes don't use it.

edit: As an alterative you could use your mag float glass cleaner to hold it

 

If it fizzes all that means is it lime, what is that going to hurt? its not like they are dropping a bolder in their tank!

Mag float is the best Idea I have seen yet, LOL why didn't I think of that! and the really funny thing about it is I have a piece of Cuplera Mexicana thats hanging off of mine in my tank right now...

 

The fizzing means it's dissolving and releasing who knows what into the tank. Why take that chance?

 

I wouldn't worry about feeding any snail in the first place...

 

If it start to fizz, then it's ok to add. That means it's carbonate based just like the other rocks we add to our tank. Honestly, if you add a small rock occasionally, it probably won't hurt anything, but I wouldn't take the chance. Plus, I wouldn't worry about feeding snails, they find something.

The carbonate based rocks in our do slowly dissolve and react with the water to release carbonates, it helps to buffer the water.

 

I ended up getting it on some LR after all...but the magnet is a great idea!

Is it okay to pick up my turbo and place him on it or will it hurt them to pull them off things?

I know normally you wouldnt need to, Ive had tons of tank issues going on though and believe that algae might be really low in supply. Ive had a lot of snail die off and over zealous hermit crabs. The LFS offered to take the turbo but we've grown quite attached to "Bubba".

I removed most of the hermits and this one last remaining one is all over the seaweed which is great. Better that than my feather duster! Hopefully when the tank sorts out I wont have the problem anymore.


Can I move the turbo?