Reptile decor in a fish tank? PICS....

[jcardona1]

So I went to Petsmart today and I saw this little reptile decoration that I really liked. It was on sale for $9.99 so I got it. I figure if it wont work in the fish tank, I can use it as a decoration somewhere around the tank.

The tag says "Not recommended for fish tanks" My question is why not? Is it toxic? What if I soak it for a few days with bleach, will that help? I called the phone number on the tag and the lady I spoke to couldn't give me a straight answer. She said its probably because it would get the water dirty which is a half-*** answer.

So what do you guys think? Can I put it in my tank? Anybody done something similar? Why the hell do reptile decorations have to be so much cooler and so much cheaper??

 

[kafiltafiisch]

idk it should be fine just clean it .. i use reptile decos all the time and had no prolems yet

 

[muckieman]

if you soak it don't use bleak it miaght tear paint off not sure thought just soak in water and if you parment go way off then coat with epoxy

 

[jcardona1]

Ok, I might give it a try. This is what is says on Petsmart website. The website doesn't say anything about being unsafe for fish:

"Create the look of a Japanese garden in your terrarium with this Reptile Bonsai. Gives reptiles room for basking and climbing and beautifies the environment. Crafted of poly-resin with attached plastic plants. Fade resistant and easy-to-clean."

http://www.petsmart.com/product/ind...ngs&fbc=1&parentPage=family&keepsr=1#prodTab1

 

[muckieman]

yep should be safe

 

[jcardona1]

yep should be safe

Thanks! I'll try it on my new tank while its cycling. Let's see if the goldfish will like it

 

[muckieman]

there taking a trip to japan just tell them that so htey don't get scared.....lol i hope those are going to be feeders for monster???

 

[jcardona1]

there taking a trip to japan just tell them that so htey don't get scared.....lol i hope those are going to be feeders for monster???

haha yeah they're future fish food if they survive the ph swings, temperature fluctuations, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate spikes

 

[bluefish]

Thanks! I'll try it on my new tank while its cycling. Let's see if the goldfish will like it

I would be a litle worried about what it is painted with. I used something similar once, rubber/painted rock and put it in my empty (of other inhabitants--not water) 12 gal for two weeks and then put in a couple of my tetras. It worked OK but I thought if the fish looked distressed then I could just take them out of the 12 and not risk a bigger tank. I know some of the decorations sold for terrariums and reptiles are not suitable for long term submersion because of what they are made of or painted with although odds are most will probably be fine.

 

[muckieman]

the stuff it painted with make it water proof and non toxic