4 replies to this topic

[jjm66smokey]

I have some cool looking limestone in my cichlid tanks, some of which I want to put in my planted tropical tanks.

 

But limestone tends to break down over time and reduces raises the pH and increases the hardness.

Which I've spent heaps of time and effort with wood and substrate to keep low (on both counts) to encourage plant growth with medium lighting and liquid carbon rather than CO2.

 

So to avoid the limestone degenerating, can I coat it in something?

 

Clear pond sealant seems the go - available in 1 litre tubs:

• Crommelin's Pond Sealer Clear ($22 at Bunnings); or
• Clearpond Pondseal 1 Litre Sandstone (hopefully at one of our Sponsors); or
• Bondall PondTite Waterproofing Pond Sealer Clear ($21.92 at Masters).

Can someone please recommend what they've tried and what works best?

Edited by jjm66smokey, 05 August 2014 - 03:01 PM.

[malawiman85]

Dont know about reducing the pH...

I've used Crommelins and its good but you have to apply as per specifications otherwise it will peel and bubble. Honestly I dont think it will end well with any pond sealer. If any moisture gets in, limestone being porous, it will spread and the whole lot will bubble. 

[jjm66smokey]

Ooops my bad... typo.... should have said dissolving limestone reduces acidity or raises pH.

 

So is there anything other than a pond sealer to use?

 

Has anyone had any success waterproofing limestone?

 

Does anyone know if there is something like Clearstone resin available for domestic use?

[kane29]

Hey I have used pond sealer on marble rocks and it worked a treat! I will take some photos and post on here later.

[malawiman85]

Not saying it wont work but marble should be easier to waterproof than limestone.
Give it a crack on some average limestone(not your display pieces) and let us know how it goes. Worst case scenario, it looks crap and you have to remove the stone.