Using Dead Corals In Freshwater

[Rlon35]

We have had some storms here In Florida...I live on the ocean. The storms washed up these dark, wood-like corals everywhere (the poor reef has taken a beating). I have put them into my bamboo-holding plant basins, on my terrace, with great asthetic results. Now, can I boil these, bleach them, rinse them, delcorinate the water after a thoroiugh rinse, and then place them into my freshwater planted aquarium??? I don't know if I can get rid of the salinity, but bacteria and algae issues should be taken care of. I don't want to signficantly harden my water (I just got it towards the necessary 'soft side'), but I was wondering if I could get away with adding one or two pieces to my 55g planted tank...

The coral are dark brown to black, wood-like pieces, one of which has a 'mesh' connecting it's branch-like shoots. These would look great in my tank and serve to cover up my internal filter. However, with all the work I have done to the tank, I will not rick harming my plants, fish, or invertebrates. I would appreciate any help from you coral/saltwater experts out there. The plant guys suggested that I ask you guys, here. Thanks.

 

[CageUK]

Hi
I would say to post a message for one of the freshwater gurus in all honesty.

From what I remember though it's not a good idea to put coral in a freshwater tank. Apart from the pollutants and the salinity thing (I'm not sure wether boiling will get rid of all the inherent salt), the corals will leach calcium and possibly other trace elements into the water and play havoc with the PH.
Aesthetically as well, coral doesn't grow in fresh water so it wouldn't look quite right in my humble opinion.

I wouldn't risk it in my freshwater tank!

Hope that helps

 

[Rlon35]

Hi
I would say to post a message for one of the freshwater gurus in all honesty.

From what I remember though it's not a good idea to put coral in a freshwater tank. Apart from the pollutants and the salinity thing (I'm not sure wether boiling will get rid of all the inherent salt), the corals will leach calcium and possibly other trace elements into the water and play havoc with the PH.
Aesthetically as well, coral doesn't grow in fresh water so it wouldn't look quite right in my humble opinion.

I wouldn't risk it in my freshwater tank!

Hope that helps

yes, thanks for your feedback.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Guess that your tank is probably soft water and slightly acidic so I wouldnt recommend it as it is fairly likely to raise your PH and water hardness.

In all honesty I do not know how much of an effect it would have but I'm pretty sure there would be some. Personally I wouldnt risk it.

 

[SkiFletch]

Longterm the coral would definitely lean your tankwater to the harder side of things. If you're trying to go soft water then it's a bad idea. Otherwise it's just fine

 

[Crazy fishes]

Longterm the coral would definitely lean your tankwater to the harder side of things. If you're trying to go soft water then it's a bad idea. Otherwise it's just fine

I have thought about a similar thing a few months back. I found what Ski said it unfortunately hardens the water; ok for african cichlids but not most other fish. Also bleaching the coral skeleton is a bad idea; the bleach is more harmful than the organisms you are killing. If you leave the skeleton in some hot water and an anti fungal/protozoal agent over night then most of the nasties are destroyed. The bacteria that are left will be heavily out numbered by bacteria in the tank filter and the competition is too much for them so they also die.

Hope this helps

Regards