Can I put this in the tank?

charnkiat · 02/15/2010, 11:42 AM

This thing has been lying around the house for easily 20 or so years, just for decorative purpose. I'm certain it has been exposed to a variety of chemicals through out those years. And a few years back, I think it has been washed with detergent.

If I want to put it in the tank, how should I treat it to make sure that it's safe? Boil? Or, I shouldn't even put it in the tank at all?

mouse51180 · 02/15/2010, 12:07 PM

When in doubt ... leave it out :-)

I would be worried about chemical residue and not knowing if I got it all of if I cleaned it.

spw4949 · 02/15/2010, 12:17 PM

I would agree, leave it out, especially if you know it's been exposed to nasty chemicals over the years, I mean you could boil it & then soak it in some water with a dechlorinator but it's still a risk IMO.....

megatsea · 02/15/2010, 12:39 PM

Have similar pieces from work and wondering the same....if tainted or not....thanks, now I know not to risk it, too

Aimiel · 02/15/2010, 12:46 PM

The sad part is, that coral colony was probably alive when it was harvested. =(

rgonzalez · 02/15/2010, 01:08 PM

Why even risk adding it? Those things become algae magnets and start to look like crap - IMO. Add that to the fact that it has been exposed to chemicals? I say leave it out. However, if you want to add it, I would bake it.

Aimiel · 02/15/2010, 01:34 PM

I would think that boiling would remove more chemical residue than baking. I agree though: it would be an algae nightmare. With all the nooks and crannies, it'd be impossible to brush clean. You're better of adding live rock than something that will discolor and look ugly in a very short period of time.

Octoshark · 02/15/2010, 01:51 PM

As already stated, artificial decorations often become covered with algae and become an eye-sore.

lordofthereef · 02/15/2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charnkiat

This thing has been lying around the house for easily 20 or so years, just for decorative purpose. I'm certain it has been exposed to a variety of chemicals through out those years. And a few years back, I think it has been washed with detergent.

That is enough info for me to want to keep it away from the tank. You might be ok soaking in some water, maybe diluted vinegar, but I don't think the risks are worth it, especially since you clearly state you are certain it has been in contact with various unkown chemicals.

charnkiat · 02/15/2010, 08:12 PM

Ok then, it shall remain on the showcase. Thank you all.

02/15/2010, 11:42 AM	#1
charnkiat Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 146	Can I put this in the tank? This thing has been lying around the house for easily 20 or so years, just for decorative purpose. I'm certain it has been exposed to a variety of chemicals through out those years. And a few years back, I think it has been washed with detergent. If I want to put it in the tank, how should I treat it to make sure that it's safe? Boil? Or, I shouldn't even put it in the tank at all?

02/15/2010, 12:17 PM	#3
spw4949 Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Albany, N.Y. Posts: 1,594	I would agree, leave it out, especially if you know it's been exposed to nasty chemicals over the years, I mean you could boil it & then soak it in some water with a dechlorinator but it's still a risk IMO..... __________________ Steve Current Tank Info: 46 gal bowfront, mixed reef, 2x250W current outer orbit w/4x39W T5 ,10 gal fuge....38 gallon aggressive FOWLR, 10 gallon sump.

02/15/2010, 12:46 PM	#5
Aimiel Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Norwood, Ohio Posts: 127	The sad part is, that coral colony was probably alive when it was harvested. =( __________________ Do your part to prevent rising ocean levels worldwide, due to global warming melting the polar icecaps: keep some really big reef tanks. Current Tank Info: 90 Gal. SW AGA Mixed Reef w Fishes

02/15/2010, 01:08 PM	#6
rgonzalez Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 892	Why even risk adding it? Those things become algae magnets and start to look like crap - IMO. Add that to the fact that it has been exposed to chemicals? I say leave it out. However, if you want to add it, I would bake it. __________________ DSA 105 Current Tank Info: 105 DSA

02/15/2010, 01:34 PM	#7
Aimiel Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Norwood, Ohio Posts: 127	I would think that boiling would remove more chemical residue than baking. I agree though: it would be an algae nightmare. With all the nooks and crannies, it'd be impossible to brush clean. You're better of adding live rock than something that will discolor and look ugly in a very short period of time. __________________ Do your part to prevent rising ocean levels worldwide, due to global warming melting the polar icecaps: keep some really big reef tanks. Current Tank Info: 90 Gal. SW AGA Mixed Reef w Fishes

02/15/2010, 12:07 PM	#2
mouse51180 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Charlotte - NC Posts: 79	When in doubt ... leave it out :-) I would be worried about chemical residue and not knowing if I got it all of if I cleaned it.

02/15/2010, 12:39 PM	#4
megatsea Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 422	Have similar pieces from work and wondering the same....if tainted or not....thanks, now I know not to risk it, too

02/15/2010, 01:51 PM	#8
Octoshark Marine Biology Student Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,366	As already stated, artificial decorations often become covered with algae and become an eye-sore. __________________ "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."

02/15/2010, 08:12 PM	#10
charnkiat Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 146	Ok then, it shall remain on the showcase. Thank you all.