Statues in saltwater tank - what problems posed?

[Poorbob2000]

Hello Reef Frontiers family...smile,

Hope this isn't toooo bizarre but I was wondering what, if any problems or concerns would be posed by placing a small (10# - 20#) or so concrete statue in a saltwater system? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Bob

 

[shallowreef]

Is there paint on it? I've seen people do it before. I would probably scrub it down with bleach and then rinse the hell out of it. Not really sure though.

 

[Elmo18]

pH....you'll want to soak the statue...in water for awhile first...and let it stabilize....

you can do a simple test, by submersing statue outside of your tank...in a bucket or something...and see....

Usually this is what is done when you are making your own arago-crete rock...

- Elmo

 

[lizardarm]

i've read on GARF something about cement leaching phosphates into the water. i don't know if it is a long term problem, or if soaking the cement long enough will eventually draw out all the phosphates that the cement has to offer.

 

[bluewhale]

I have some grey concrete bricks in my sump. Soaked them in tap water for a week with a few water changes when dust came out. Then I put them in a bucket of aquarium water. There was no significant change in pH, phosphates, calcium or alkalinity.