calivivarium1 and I were talking in PM about my plans for my new 55 gal, and I thought we should open up the discussion to everyone. I'd like to hear opinions and experience on this since it's my first shot at it... I'm building a 3D concrete background using styrofoam and concrete (mostly).
I've read that the concrete will leach minerals into the water for a while after it's first wet down, and I had an idea of putting a bunch of fast growing stem plants in the tank straight away to soak up the leached materials that will be present in the water and substrate. Cal suggested that it might be wise to dispose of those plants after they have soaked up the leach-water, and I agree that it wouldn't hurt to do that. However, I started thinking about the biology of it, and it seems like the plants wouldn't soak up anything they couldn't metabolize and break down (unless they are forced to by virtue of high mineral concentration). I can't imagine that such a small amount of concrete would release a high concentration of anything since it's pretty inert on its own. It is rather likely to raise Kh and pH significantly for a while though. No chance I am putting fish in there until it's stable for a week of tests at reasonable levels.
Anyway, what do you think?
First:
A. Plant it to speed the cleaning of the water?
B. Don't plant it, just do massive water changes?
Second: (If you say, "plant it".)
A. Leave the plants in there after it stabilizes.
B. Yank them out.
C. Cut them down to the substrate.
Tell us why you feel the way you do...
I've read that the concrete will leach minerals into the water for a while after it's first wet down, and I had an idea of putting a bunch of fast growing stem plants in the tank straight away to soak up the leached materials that will be present in the water and substrate. Cal suggested that it might be wise to dispose of those plants after they have soaked up the leach-water, and I agree that it wouldn't hurt to do that. However, I started thinking about the biology of it, and it seems like the plants wouldn't soak up anything they couldn't metabolize and break down (unless they are forced to by virtue of high mineral concentration). I can't imagine that such a small amount of concrete would release a high concentration of anything since it's pretty inert on its own. It is rather likely to raise Kh and pH significantly for a while though. No chance I am putting fish in there until it's stable for a week of tests at reasonable levels.
Anyway, what do you think?
First:
A. Plant it to speed the cleaning of the water?
B. Don't plant it, just do massive water changes?
Second: (If you say, "plant it".)
A. Leave the plants in there after it stabilizes.
B. Yank them out.
C. Cut them down to the substrate.
Tell us why you feel the way you do...