beach stones?

[Silkmoth]

I would like to find my own stones to lay down on the soil in my firebelly tank. Will soaking the stones from the ocean remove the salt? How long should they sit in fresh water?

[Mentat]

If solid stones a simple rinse will do. If porous like in coral based stones, it will take longer and the water should be replaced a couple times during soaking. A simple test is to taste the water and if salty, replace and soak some more.

Be aware that coral will buffer water it comes in contact with and turn it alkaline. Also, all stones should be bigger than the frogs mouth to reduce possibility of frog eating a stone while hunting for food. Good luck !

[deranged chipmunk]

If solid stones a simple rinse will do. If porous like in coral based stones, it will take longer and the water should be replaced a couple times during soaking. A simple test is to taste the water and if salty, replace and soak some more.

Be aware that coral will buffer water it comes in contact with and turn it alkaline. Also, all stones should be bigger than the frogs mouth to reduce possibility of frog eating a stone while hunting for food. Good luck !

I agree with Carlos, They should be safe if properly prepared. A dishwasher would make short work of them. If any are porous, just don't use them, only smooth stones.

[Silkmoth]

I found something special while beach-combing today. I found a light colored stone with the name Sam on it. I washed it off in the water and on the other side was SAMstones.org. I found alot of wonderful rocks for my tank too. Many flat grey stones and some with quartz and red in them.

I looked up SAMstones when I got home. Its a special website dedicated to a young boy in Vermont. It a lovely site full of pics and stories about him. Take the time to look it up, its worth a visit. You can request these stones which are clay or putty with his name on them and put them places where others can find them like I did.
Im glad I brought it home. I almost left it.I wrote to the site and told them where I found it. I said I will put it in with the toads on the dry ground part and name one of the toads for him.