does this pot look aquarium safe?

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adamsfishes

Aimara
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Jan 31, 2016
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I've been trying to find something I like to use as "caves" in an aquarium, and I finally found some pots that I like. They have a worn look, like ancient artifacts lost at sea.

Do you think they are aquarium safe? They're made from black clay. That's all the information I have.

I soaked one in a bucket of water for a couple days, and none of the parameters I can measure changed at all.

I don't have any reason to believe they're not safe, but thought I'd ask... the concern is whether they could potentially leach something toxic into the water.

View attachment DSC_0025.JPG
 
Is it glazed? I used glazed terracotta pots but that's about it..
 
adamsfishes said:
the concern is whether they could potentially leach something toxic into the water.
Click to expand...

They aren't glazed, so whatever they are made up from can over time leach into the water. Personally I would not risk it.
 
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Thanks for the replies. They're not glazed. Last night I decided to put them in the aquarium with a $6 LFS Jack Dempsey that has been helping to cycle my tank. He didn't croak overnight at least. I'm adding some more fish, so hopefully it works out.
 
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adamsfishes said:
I've been trying to find something I like to use as "caves" in an aquarium, and I finally found some pots that I like. They have a worn look, like ancient artifacts lost at sea.

Do you think they are aquarium safe? They're made from black clay. That's all the information I have.

I soaked one in a bucket of water for a couple days, and none of the parameters I can measure changed at all.

I don't have any reason to believe they're not safe, but thought I'd ask... the concern is whether they could potentially leach something toxic into the water.

View attachment 1385348
Click to expand...

Hard to say by first glance, but if they have limestone or sandstone that's a no-no. I would do a search on the composition of black clay. Hard metals (iron, zinc, copper etc), and aluminum are to be avoided. Food safe containers can be used with no problem. Pour industrial strength vinegar on them. If they fizz, leave them OUT. Glazed pots are safe provided the glaze has no lead.
 
My concern is that pot appears to be made in China, or possibly Mexico, both countries that largely lack regulation for food safe items, let alone non food safe items. Even their glazes are not always safe, or food safe. It's not just oven fired terracotta, it has something added before or after the firing to give the antique look. I would not trust it. JMO
 
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