Safety of freshwater decoration

[cmd15@duke.edu]

Hi everyone,
I wondered if it was safe to place a plastic resin statue in a freshwater aquarium as decoration. It is not painted but the plastic contains a stain.
Thanks for your input.

 

[Innovator]

Soak in freshwater for 24hrs and test for Ammonia. If fine, bleach heavily for 10mins. and rinse very well.

 

[FishCrazyBenBOMB]

Just make sure you wash it in just plain tap water from the sink, then it should be safe.

 

[reun]

depends on the resin. testing for ammonia is a good precaution, but, without knowing the composition of the resin/plastic/paint or stain, you cannot be sure that it will not leach a harmful chemical out. bad plastics leach out more than just ammonia...

odds are its safe, however, you cant know for sure untill you try. my suggestion is to buy a feeder fish,comet, or gold fish. drop the statue in the water, and if the goldfish lives for a couple weeks you are prolly safe. if the goldfish dies, you got your answer. it may be a cruel test, but if you care about saving money on decor so much, the death of a 50 cent fish shouldnt bother you.