Salt water corrode cement?

[Luis]

A friend is planning to built a tank from cement and somebody said that saltwater corode cement (???) I've never heard that before.... is that true?

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

A friend is planning to built a tank from cement and somebody said that saltwater corode cement (???) I've never heard that before.... is that true?

Thanks

Yup, saltwater will corrode concrete. Those of us that live in the colder climates realize this all too well during winter. Spreading salt on the streets and sidewalks to melt ice will destroy concrete surfaces over time.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

Actually in natural sea water it does not corrode. Their is something different in de-icing salt. Many structures are built out of concrete for salt water applications. Bridges, dams and production platforms just to name a few. If your friend is going to build a tank out of concrete he should coat the concrete to avoid seapage since concrete is pourus.

 

[Anonymous]

Yup, most of the docks in this nation are made of concrete. It just sucks

 

[Anonymous]

There is a guy down here who is building a aquarium out of cement as well. Contracted out to have it built. I was wondering the same thing about corrosion. He is planning to coat it with something, but don't know what. Huge tank though.

 

[Luis]

Thanks guys

The question now is how to coat the cement to avoid seapage?

Silicon sealer maybe? ....Epoxy paint could be the answer but could be expensive too.

 

[Anonymous]

I believe their are paints designed to seal concrete. Not 100% sure.

 

[Anonymous]

There is, but I don't know if the chemicals in it are reef safe. That would be a question for some Home Depot guys.

 

[SnowManSnow]

id contact someone who does aquarium work like this. chances are home depot guys wont have a clue if its "reef" safe.

You may try to get in touch with the guys at the Atlanta Aquarium. See who built their reef and get in touch with that company. Just an idea. SOUNDS FUN!


b

 

[gregx]

In Australia we have a water proof blue paint called G4 which you apply to concrete for water proofing. It isnt cheap though.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd still worry about toxins leeching into the water from any paint..wouldn't that stink to do all that work and kill off everything :?.

I've seen setups where they used a concrete 'form' and lined it with pond liner. That works well.

 

[Anonymous]

Their are specality paints for concrete potable water tanks. This would be the route to go. I'm sure they are not cheap.

 

[Anonymous]

Marine application of concrete is a major topic, and if you hire anyone to do this for you, make sure they have the credential for the job. It involves the use of specialty concrete, not those you get from Home Depot. Good Luck.

 

[gregb1]

G4 will only make your fish spasum at night.

 

[stubbsz]

Actually in natural sea water it does not corrode. Their is something different in de-icing salt. Many structures are built out of concrete for salt water applications. Bridges, dams and production platforms just to name a few. If your friend is going to build a tank out of concrete he should coat the concrete to avoid seapage since concrete is pourus.

Well there's something different in Aquarium salt also, the concrete that my mixing trash can sits on has pitted concrete around it's base where I have frequently spilt slat water.
-Adrian