black stuff in terracotta

[tbonewarrior]

So my mother in law saw my strawberry pot in my tank, and had to go buy one for her small koi pond. She picked one up from Home Depot. It has this weird black stuff inside it, and she wants to know if it is fish safe. I've never seen it before, so I figured I'd ask here. Thoughts?

 

[tbonewarrior]

Idk why the pics posted so many times. Sorry

 

[FMA4ME]

I think that might be like tar sealant? I wouldn't risk using it myself.

 

[Gill Blue]

may just be carbon from the firing. is it sticky or gummy? try going at it with a steel bristle brush or wirewheel, see if it comes off.

 

[Drstrangelove]

I don't know what it is, but I've bought dozens and seen hundreds of those pots and none had that. Perhaps it's benign, but I'd avoid tossing it in a pond with fish unless someone knew for certain that it was inert.

 

[Yuki Rihwa]

Why's not return it and pick a new one?

 

[tbonewarrior]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll try and get her to exchange it if there are others without the goop.