is concrete bad for water

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
R

rslinn

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 1, 2005
52
0
0
saskatchewan
I just filled my 110 gallon indoor pond and am setting it up for turtles. My question is if there is any problem using round concrete landscape edging as part of my pond setup . They are about 6" round and 12" tall with a very smooth finish. Any input would be great. Thanks in advance.
 
Concrete will alter water chemistry, I believe it is alkaline, but someone help us out.
 
These are made for landscaping. I would think that they are portland cement. They don't apear to be very porous, very smooth finish. I dug them out of one of my flowerbeds last fall and after a good wash they look as good as new. They were put in by previous owners, at least 6 years ago, probably alot older than that. I was hoping to use them just because I already had them. If I can not use them any other sugestions woulld be great. Thanks for your help.
 
I don't think they would cause too much of a problem, especially since they are old, and you are using them for turtles. Good luck!
 
First you need to soack them even if they do turn out to be acceptable right?

Thus, you could put them in a bucket of water a test the water after a month. You cant test for everything, but for pH yes.
 
Thanks for your help I think I will go ahead and use them. Turtles do not seam to care about water parameters but I will watch carefully for any problems.
 
Good luck to you, and please keep us updated or post some pics, we would love to see your indoor turtle pond.
 
I bought the bottom half of a 2 piece concrete septic tank and used it as a pond for right at 10 years until I retired from the Navy and moved. I never had a problem with it at all. I bought it for $300 delivered because the top was cracked and they could'nt sell it. I just busted up the cracked top and hauled it off. Left me with a 1500 gallon concrete pond. Worked great!

Bo
 
I agree with the concrete being a stable material for your pond. The only problem you would have had is within the first 4 weeks of curing, and the concrete would leach lime into the water and increase pH, but your safe to use it now. If you where unsure you could always seal the concrete with bondcrete or similar product.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom