limestone question

[Jessie Nicoletti]

ok so i was wondering can you put limestone in a sw fish tank or will it cause negative effects, i am a sculput and have been thinking for a while to carve something for my 90 gal tank but im not sure if its a good idea. if it is safe to do is there a certain type of limestone that should be used in a fish tank ( would be geting it from a sculputre store)

[Reefing Madness]

Reefs.org: Where Reefkeeping Begins on the Internet - Limestone as a Live Rock Alternative
Yup, you can use it.

[chrisfont23]

Jessie, I would think it is too - for all intents and purposes, it's basically the purest (crystalized?) form of calcium carbonate - no? I would just watch your params but I think u r ok.

[kevinpo]

Hello,
Most limestone comes from the skeletons and/or shells of marine animals such as corals or foraminifera. The minerals contained are a large part calcite and aragonite which in coral skeletons is mostly calcium carbonate. This is the same mineral we add to out tanks to promote the growth of stony corals. This rock formation is quite soluble (water runs through it and forms most cave systems of the world as the limestone dissolves leaving a cavern) so it can adsorb impurities that could be soaked out over time depending on where it was collected. In its pure form it should be very white and of uniform colour. If it has stripes, or other discoloration such as reddish orange it could be iron or some other impurity that could leach out over time and cause algae blooms or other problems. If it has uniform appearance (white or light cream) it should be fairly safe to use.

Cheers,
Kevin