Can I use a dead gorgonian as decoration in a freshwater tank?

[Fishies86]

This might seem a bit random, and I'm not even sure I've put this post in the right category, but I can't find the answer anywhere. I've got a couple of dead gorgonians from work. Are they safe to put in a freshwater tank? I want to attach moss to them so they look like trees to use in an aquascape. Is this going to mess with the water chemistry? Would soaking them for a few days be beneficial? Thanks in advance for any help!

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[Cthulhu]

It's safe but it will raise pH and hardness

 

[Fishies86]

Aw, thats a real shame I'm using RO water because my tap water is so hard and alkaline, so it's going to be pointless then putting something in that's going to bring it all back up again. oh well, back to the drawing board. Thank you Cthulhu

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[FishCr8zy]

No I do not recommend putting it in. All dead corals will dissolve eventually and will dissolve around a ph of 8.0-8.5. It will keep dissolving and the ph will rise significantly. You could possibly coat it in marine safe epoxy and it will stop dissolving but it would be a hard process.


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