How To Clean River Rock For Aquarium. If it’s taken directly from a river, then i’d be worried about pathogens or. If the vinegar (an acidic substance) fizzes or foams on the rock, don't use it.
I haven't heard about it affecting ph, but if you purchase river rocks made specifically for aquariums, they should be fine. How to clean rocks for aquarium use? Cleaning is a big part of owning an aquarium, since nearly every square inch of the system, including the rocks, gets coated with decaying organic matter and often algae as well.